Migration
Migration
Migration, 30" x 40", is an abstract mixed-media painting on a wood panel with archival varnish. It has a maple floater frame and is ready to hang.
Migration is a series of abstract expressionist paintings in warm earth tones. Over 80 species of pollinators, with their shapes, colors, and patterns, were used to create these paintings. The painting tells the story of the Lepidoptera family, which often has to migrate to balance food and mating.
"Migration" is a visual exploration of butterflies' intricate and awe-inspiring journey as they migrate to breed and find sustenance. This painting is deconstructed into numerous butterfly shapes, each representing these delicate creatures' individual and collective movements.
In creating this piece, I aimed to capture the essence of migration—a natural phenomenon driven by instinct and necessity. With their vibrant wings and graceful flight, butterflies undertake long and perilous journeys to reach destinations where they can breed and access the resources they need to thrive. Their migration is a testament to resilience, navigation, and the interconnectedness of nature.
The fragmented, overlapping butterfly shapes in "Migration" symbolize both the beauty and complexity of these journeys. Each shape is meticulously crafted, using a palette that reflects the natural world—rich greens, deep blues, fiery oranges, and delicate pastels—conveying the diversity and vitality of the butterflies and the environments they traverse.
Through this painting, I seek to raise awareness of butterflies' vital role in our ecosystems. Their migrations contribute to pollination and the health of plant communities, illustrating the delicate balance of our natural world. Understanding and preserving these migratory patterns is crucial as we face environmental challenges.
"Migration" invites viewers to reflect on the marvels of nature and the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity. It is a celebration of the perseverance and beauty of butterflies, urging us to appreciate and safeguard the intricate web of life that sustains us all.