Sustenance is a bronze relief sculpture depicts a mother javelina and her red walking through a patch of prickly pear cactus—both iconic and resilient elements of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape that surrounds Las Cruces. Cast in an organic, rounded form measuring roughly 6x9x1 inches, the piece reflects the interconnectedness of desert life and the quiet, often overlooked moments that define it. Javelinas, though elusive, are integral to the local ecosystem, and their presence speaks to themes of care, survival, and the rhythms of the natural world. The prickly pear cactus, with its thick pads and seasonal fruit, is not only a defining feature of the landscape but also one of the javelina’s favorite foods, providing both nourishment and habitat.

This sculpture was created as part of a collaborative bronze casting project and is included in a public art installation for the Las Cruces Convention Center. It is part of a larger effort to represent our region’s natural heritage through small, handcrafted works that celebrate native species, community, and place.