Friday, July 10, 2009

Flora vs. Fauna, UNDERWORLD IV


Flora vs. Fauna, UNDERWORLD IV
Originally uploaded by rsconnett

FLORA vs FAUNA, (UNDERWORLD IV)

18" X 18" Acrylic on wood panel

This is number 4 in my series I call "UNDERWORLD(s)" My vision of the life that thrives in gigantic, yet tiny worlds which surround us, but is also hidden from us.

This one illustrates the occasional dominion of plants over animals, hence the title; "FLORA vs FAUNA"

The scrotal looking plants in the painting are California Pitcher plants, also known as "COBRA LILIES". These clever plant adaptations entice their insect pray into a narrow mouth, heading toward a digestive "pot" with inward pointing hairs, preventing the insect from reversing out, sort of like a lobster trap.

The big red "flower" is modeled after an Anthurium. However the stamen of this particular Anthurium is patterned after a "Sticky Trap" carnivorous plant, (the Drosera Capensis). But of course, Anthuriums don't have tendrillic appendages which capture hornets either. (But wouldn't it be wonderful if they did!)