farther away from me
original oil painting.
oil on cradled panel, sides finished with clear varnish
signed, titled and dated on back
wired and ready to hang
Animals often develop symbiotic relationships, as in the case of different species of birds that clean the teeth of animals (most notably birds that clean crocodile and alligator teeth). I wanted to contrast an African animal with a North American bird to create a more symbolic idea of symbiosis. As I was working on the painting, and while working on the bird, I began thinking about the painting in terms of facing one's fears, the bird's head is turned looking into the gaping mouth of the hippo.