The Tree Moth
Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 08:05AM
The Tree Moth, archival ink jet print, 22" x 22", 2006
Another image from a large body of tree spirits that seem to show up in my work. I had a somewhat bland photograph of young cotton woods against a lazy sky. I played around with symmetries and got something close to this. The result was very anthropomorphic. So I then added some subtleties to bring out the human figure aspects even more. One technique I used for this was to use the liquefy brush in Photoshop to put figurative bends and curves into the tree trunks and branches. It was a rather painstaking process because you can't preview the symmetry until the liquefy mode is finished. Creating the symmetry involves flipping a copy of the image and then juxtaposing it along the edge of the original. This can be done with a hard or a soft edge. In this case I used a fairly hard edge. I remember making several attempts at the right curves and bends before I got it right.
For some reason, this image seems to suggest a member of the insect universe, something alien with veins and wings. Since Trees and insects have a such a complex relationship, that connection seems right to me. I found a geometric pattern left over from the creation of Desert Energy and used it to make the tile like tapestry on the edges. This print feels very balanced and complete to me, and I'm very happy with it. At least one other individual seems to agree, because it sold at my last show.
Reader Comments (1)
thank you for your delightful work.Such sensual delight in the processes of nature.When my motivation and focus palls a bit I trawl the web and mostly catch junk. playful gentle work with a bit of zest is like finding a shining fish.Back to work with a light heart. Frank