The Zebra

The Zebra – Fun Fair Carousel Photography 

The Zebra – A Carousel Moment of Joy

As an artist, one of the most common questions I’m asked is whether I use photographs as source material for my paintings and drawings. The answer is a definite yes. Sometimes I take pictures while drawing a subject — capturing angles, lighting, and details that I might not have time to record in my sketchbook. Other times, I take photographs purely for their own sake, simply because something catches my eye and sparks my imagination.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share some of these photographs with you — images that have inspired me in my creative work or made me smile. The first in this series is a photograph I call The Zebra.

I spotted this zebra at a fun fair, proudly positioned on a carousel among other colourful creatures. There’s something irresistibly joyful about its expression — the broad grin, the upright ears, the confident tilt of the head. Its bold black-and-white stripes seem almost to shimmer against the background of golden poles and lush green trees.

Carousels have always fascinated me. They’re a mixture of artistry, engineering, and nostalgia. The animals are often carved or moulded with remarkable attention to detail — manes swept into motion, muscles defined as if mid-stride, eyes full of character. This zebra, however, felt different. It wasn’t just a decorative object; it was a personality.

I remember standing there, camera in hand, trying to capture the moment in a way that would preserve its charm. The fun fair was busy, full of movement and laughter, but for a few seconds, my attention was entirely on this zebra. The result is a photograph that still makes me smile every time I look at it.

From an artist’s perspective, photographing a subject like this can be just as rewarding as sketching it. The camera freezes a moment, catching subtle textures and expressions that might otherwise be lost. Later, I can use the image as a reference for a painting, or keep it as part of my growing visual library of inspiration.

But beyond its usefulness in the studio, this image reminds me of why I create art in the first place — to share moments of beauty, humour, and wonder. A simple carousel ride, designed to delight children and adults alike, can become a work of art when viewed closely.

So here’s to unexpected inspiration, to moments that make you pause, and to zebras — whether real or carved — that bring a little extra joy into our lives.