Lichens and Bugs
In this collection of artwork, I am paying my respect to the neglected and disregarded, but nonetheless important contributors to our world: Lichens and bugs.
Lichens, which grow at the edge of life, on rock or bark, are genuine pioneers when it comes to soil formation. From rainforest to tundra, more than 20,000 species of lichens cover up to 6 percent of the Earth’s surface. To stay true to the lichen-spirit, I use reclaimed wood for my lichen carvings.
Bugs, or arthropods, the wiggly things with a hard shell but without a backbone, make up half of the entire biomass of animals on earth. They are true essential workers, aerating the soil, decomposing, and pollinating. To spark a closer connection, I portray them as spirit masks.
Water Mite Spirit Mask
relief wood carving
local aspen wood, plywood, acrylic paint
16″ x 16″ x 1.5″
BRILLIANT SUCKERS
They are ubiquitous in nearly all freshwater habitats of every continent except Antarctica.
Some mosquito species have been found to be parasitized by larval water mites, which can reduce the survival and reproductive success of mosquitoes.