The Wolf You Feed draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. The central motif was first inspired by the incredible dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and recognises the extirpation and near-extinction of the gray wolf from the United States due to a program fuelled by human prejudice and fear. The titular phrase within the design references an ancient Cherokee legend; every man has two wolves fighting inside of him. One is angry, greedy and resentful, while the other is kind, peaceful and loving. Which wolf will win? The wolf you feed. The date set in stone within this design, 1872, represents the creation of Yellowstone National Park, an event which has had a huge impact on the reintroduction of the wild gray wolf. This design features several references to fraktur folk art including the amalgam of Saguaro and other cacti species growing on each side of the central frame. Many of the details were inspired by the art of fraternal societies, re-purposed to represent a reverence for nature, from the Eye of Providence, to the golden fleece and the pillars of strength. Nineteenth century, hand painted parcheesi boards provided references for many of the pattern details, while the plight of the naïve chipmunk alludes to a second, pertinent legend.

About the Brand

Sabina Savage offers elaborate, heritage-inspired prints on exquisite fabrics. The brand produces two collections per year, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, and each collection tells a different tale from the last. Fantastical stories are woven through each hand-illustrated collection, meandering across continents and delving headfirst into the depths of history. Each detail within a design holds a key to the tale, and every design is a treasure trove of references.