Springtails Colorful Aspirations

2023

watercolor, acrylic

18"x24"

Inspired by the Black inventor Alexander Miles (creator of elevator doors), Turkey Tail Mushrooms, octopus eyes, and Springtail insects known for their ability to ride the wind, this piece was a meditative dive into color and story. From top to bottom, I use my interpretation of the above mentioned inspirations to create a world of pulleys, robots, mushroom expanses, and elevator door tunnels…. All accented by the eyes of the octopus. 

The Springtail bug cannot fly, but it has a spring in its abdomen. When the spring releases, this bug can spring into the air at more than 400 times its height. It uses this ability to glide which allows it to glide to different islands. This insect can fly without wings.

The white markings inside the orange squares in this piece, are inspired by the markings on the back of the springtail bug. 

Throughout this works creation, my consistent meditation was a quote from Toni Morrison. 

“If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it.”