Accidental Art — What Do YOU See?
As we approached our wooded area on Saturday morning during our daily walk, my eye was caught by something lying on the ground. From that distance I thought the something was a rather large piece of fabric, mostly because of the way the sunlight was emphasizing the distinct designs covering its entire surface.
When we got closer we could see that the fabric was not fabric at all, but a very large piece of bark lying inner side up. The bark was completely covered with hundreds of what looked like intricately carved designs… but which were actually a series of tiny grooves and channels made by years of insect damage. I showed this bark to people all weekend, and everyone who saw it was amazed at the beauty and complexity of the designs the insects accidentally created. They really do look like carvings in the wood.
The reactions have been interesting, because everyone sees something different in the designs. Almost everybody sees several big fish and one small whale. My husband sees a cat crouched under a bush ready to pounce on a giant squirrel! I see people standing in groups and even one person on a horse. Other people see a dog, butterflies, an owl, a tulip, a pterodactyl, a frog, and a monkey’s face. Like the pictures people see in clouds… everybody sees something different.
What do you see?
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Enjoying Nature, Personal, Voluntary Simplicity
.
Comments
Comment by Robyn:
I SEE THE CAT!!!!! Last picture bottom right – correct?
AND THE SQUIRRELL! To the left of the cat standing up holding a nut.
This is SOOOO cool!!!!
Comment by Bob A.:
I see the fish, and the whale, and the pterodactyl. I also see the owl. And something you didn’t mention, I also see a fairly large galloping horse in the 2nd photo. Interesting post as always.
Comment by molly:
That is so beautiful I would just have to frame it!
Comment by Mimi:
Isn’t it amazing what nature can do. I, too, would frame a piece of the bark.
Comment by diXymiss:
eXquisite! Yes, I see the crowds of people. As well as a giraffe, an elephant and a Pharoah.
Comment by Brigid:
I see a spider in the tree bark. I am 6 years old. I like your pictures. My mom likes your blog because it is where we got the vinegar cake recipe. She made one tonight.
Comment by Jo:
Wow! But, is it “accidental”? Maybe this is a way for the insects to communicate or to leave a record to others about their life, sort of like how we humans write blogs.
Please leave a comment!