This is the sort of work I do when I'm not creating celebrity gossip-inspired content for this blog. For the past three years, I've been creating a collection of surreal botanical illustrations of the flora and fauna of imaginary worlds. Many of the illustrations from my
Botany in Wonderland series contain mystical references, hidden codes, and inexplicable allegories. Some of the illustrations are meant to be viewed from multiple angles so that hidden creatures may be revealed. While I enjoy painting and laughing at the social commentary generated by celebrity gossip, my real passion lies in seeking out gardens of Earthly delight. Prints available
here.
Medium: watercolor and ink on a scanned page from my great great great grandmother's journal dating back to 1850.
Oh, and since we're on the subject of strange creatures, check this story out.
Awesome! I admire your passion.
I'm a freelance tattooist/artist and I love doing all this sort of things then put them in my blog too.
Posted by: Arth | March 26, 2007 at 03:41 AM
beautiful !
Posted by: DK | March 26, 2007 at 04:26 AM
This is utterly gorgeous - delicious even.
Posted by: Katie | March 26, 2007 at 05:31 AM
I love it. Absolutely beautiful.
And that story on the sheep with human cells? Now that's fucked up.
Posted by: Jenn F. | March 26, 2007 at 06:21 AM
lovely
Posted by: | March 26, 2007 at 06:42 AM
That's gorgeous! I'll have to see if I can budget it in (framed, of course) on my next payday.
Posted by: Jane | March 26, 2007 at 06:55 AM
Frickin' gorgeous. Well, you know I love the bats, and this one is just astounding. Is Centipede Man part of this series? Or is he still too hard core for the masses?
As for the sheep-human chimera...WTF. Can scientists figure out how to put human birth control in the water first? Before messing with animals as walking organ donors? This story creeps me out.
Posted by: Cyclops Kitten Natividad | March 26, 2007 at 08:25 AM
This is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing it with us. Like Jane I'll have to budget it (and find wall space).
Posted by: Morrigan | March 26, 2007 at 09:03 AM
That is absolutely beautiful. What does the script say?
Posted by: Madame M | March 26, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Rock on!
You are so talented.
Posted by: gilmore | March 26, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Your work here reminds me a lot of Richard Dadd or the illustrations done by nineteenth century botanists. It also seems to reference the sort of strange creatures described by seventeenth century sailors,
and alchemical texts. Very nuanced.
My monitor is pretty small and the computer I'm using is geared towards audio rather than graphics,(naturally), so I can't really make out the text. According to some of the other posts it appears that it
relates a story of genetic engineering. This of course plays into most people's fear of things that cannot be categorized. It is this unknown, undifferentiated nature that makes the creature/creatures?, both beguiling and faintly disturbing,
like something that one may catch at the corner of one's eye, but not truly comprehend. This really is first class work, I'm looking forward to seeing more stuff like this.
Best regards, Adam Smith.
Posted by: Adam Smith | March 26, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Beautiful! Keep them coming! I really enjoy finding the hidden creatures. Intersting and unique muse! : )
Posted by: Heather | March 26, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Absolutely wonderful, truly wonderful!!!
Posted by: Damien | March 26, 2007 at 02:00 PM
LOVE IT
Posted by: Pablo Vazquez | March 26, 2007 at 02:04 PM
Incredible!!! I love the little creature on the lower left, so sweet. It adds something to the symmetry.
Hidden codes? Now I love that!
You have a wonderful talent! Hope the vacation was good.
Posted by: Chansmom | March 26, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Now that's what I'm talkin''bout. Just in time with the sunny weather. Ahhhhhh....
Posted by: BReid | March 26, 2007 at 06:49 PM
This is incredible 14! You are such a fucking genius! I love what you have done with those bats! Bats are so cute, but the bigger ones remind me of possums in Australia or New Zealand. There is a frog/toad in there as well! I am just mesmerized by this. It also reminds me of a Rohrschach. Words cannot describe how incredible this is. You are so gifted.
To Adam Smith: Fucking Fox news is IN THE UK???????????? Dear God, there is no sanctuary on this planet!!!!
Posted by: Demon Kitty | March 26, 2007 at 06:53 PM
breathtakingly beautiful. i am mystified by the whole as opposed to the parts because it seems familiar however i cannot recognize whatever it is i see.
Posted by: deanna | March 26, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Wonderful artwork. reminds me of Spiderwicks. Gonna get your book.
Posted by: Nikki | March 27, 2007 at 08:31 AM
Where can I see the rest?
Posted by: | March 27, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Truly and utterly gorgeous. May I have some more, please?
Posted by: fanny pack | March 27, 2007 at 02:21 PM
This is exellent. I've always loved the old hand-colored botanical/nature prints that this piece seems to be channeling. My reaction is similar to other - nuanced, strange, slightly unnerving - but not dark or creepy (at least not for me)
PLEASE start another blog just for your non-celebrity work, if you haven't already.
Posted by: WebMasterPete | March 27, 2007 at 04:26 PM
No offense, but no wonder you can do such excellent celebrity drawings- they seem easy compared to the stuff you do off your website, and they come from such a pool of talent that they are guaranteed to be excellent. This art piece reminds me of a combo of a totem pole, an op art piece, a bat, a butterfly, and some art noveau. Hope some rest does you good!
Shalom,
Kai
(Maybe.... nope.)
Posted by: Kai | March 27, 2007 at 09:08 PM
Oh so beautiful!!
So deliciously beautiful...
You are divinely inspired.
In love,
xxx
Posted by: the domestic minx | March 28, 2007 at 02:39 AM
Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I LOVE this one.
Posted by: Kamala | March 28, 2007 at 06:51 PM