This is the first in a series exploring the intersection of human and insects vis a vis the folklore and myths that have sprung up around them through the ages. Phylum arthropoda replace the human form and take the starring role in traditional Renaissance landscapes. If only we had more reverence for these remarkable creatures through the ages and the important role they play in biodiversity maybe we wouldn’t be facing such an uncertain future here on planet earth. Mea culpa.

SNAKE DOCTORS - 10in x 18 in - oil on panel. In the south starting as far back as the 1800s there is evidence of people referring to dragonflies as “snake doctors.” This name came from the belief that dragonflies were in alliance with snakes and that they mended or repaired wounded snakes and restored them to their original vitality, particularly snakes who had been dismembered. Who knows what moment of magic between species the original source of this folklore witnessed, but I could not resist the opportunity to tackle this subject matter myself. In my version, 2 coiling copperheads caught in a moment of mating have been dismembered and these dragonflies have descended in order to serve their purpose of stitching them back together.