The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is very skilled at hiding in the arroyos of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Camouflage is key. While working on this particular piece I knew clay plaster, also sourced from the southwestern United States, was the perfect medium to pair with this shed. I imagined myself walking in a dried up gully and slowly approaching something intriguing, something I’d never seen. As I approach and inspect, my heart beats faster. I see an outline of a snake. As I inspect closely I see it’s actually its shed; a beautiful and striking sight. One that leaves me feeling exhilarated like I’ve made a rare discovery on the desert floor.

18” x 24” Banded Rock Rattlesnake shed, clay plaster, earth pigment on clay board