This work features the shed skins of two African Gaboon vipers, carefully embedded in soil, earth pigments, and clay plaster. The materials are intentionally chosen to echo the snakes’ native African terrain, dense, mineral rich ground where camouflage is survival and beauty is functional.
The shed forms are nestled into the surface rather than placed upon it, allowing the vipers’ patterns to emerge organically from the earth. Their markings, geometric, rhythmic, and precise, read as both natural design and ancient symbol.
Look closely. Within the translucent shed, the fang, eye, and distinctive horns of the Gaboon viper remain visible. These subtle details reward intimacy and slow viewing, revealing the tension between fragility and power, absence and presence.
This piece explores transformation, protection, and renewal, what is left behind, and what remains embedded in the land.
36”×48” Clay plaster, soil, earth pigments, Gaboon Viper snake sheds, snake fangs. Handmade bubinga frame.
This work features the shed skins of two African Gaboon vipers, carefully embedded in soil, earth pigments, and clay plaster. The materials are intentionally chosen to echo the snakes’ native African terrain, dense, mineral rich ground where camouflage is survival and beauty is functional.
The shed forms are nestled into the surface rather than placed upon it, allowing the vipers’ patterns to emerge organically from the earth. Their markings, geometric, rhythmic, and precise, read as both natural design and ancient symbol.
Look closely. Within the translucent shed, the fang, eye, and distinctive horns of the Gaboon viper remain visible. These subtle details reward intimacy and slow viewing, revealing the tension between fragility and power, absence and presence.
This piece explores transformation, protection, and renewal, what is left behind, and what remains embedded in the land.
36”×48” Clay plaster, soil, earth pigments, Gaboon Viper snake sheds, snake fangs. Handmade bubinga frame.