Fatal Attraction

Fatal Attraction was inspired by an impressive arrangement of Sarracenia at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver last Summer. Although the planting was ornamental, Sarracenia is native to Canada and can be found in bogs and fens across the country. After the underlying structure of the composition was established, I began researching other carnivorous plants such as Sundew, Venus Flytrap and Sticky Tofieldia,to add  to it. The painting then seemed incomplete without the bugs that provide nutrients for these plants. I have ‘hidden’ 12 insects and creatures, native to BC, in the painting. One of the insects is tricky to identify as it’s generally felt rather than seen.

My intent was to create a contemporary painting along the lines of a Dutch still life, inspired by the botanical works of Rachel Ruysch, 1664 - 1750. For decorative effect, I divided the frame into thirds with an antique gold central panel. Like Ruysch, I’m interested in celebrating the cycles of Nature and exploring the intersection between art and science. A visual tension is created by the attraction and proximity of creatures to plants. I’m depicting them at a critical stage of life where their fate between extinction and survival is uncertain.

Fatal Attraction 36”x40” Fluid acrylic on canvas and pattern tissue.

LIST of hidden creatures:

Pacific Chorus Frog

Autumn Meadowhawk

Cicada Bella Davis

Western Yellowjacket

House Fly

Carpet Moth 

Lady Bug

Forest Tent Caterpillar

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Jewel Beetle

Carpenter Ant

No-See-Um Gnat