Shock and Awe

While Shock and Awe is a military term, it does align with this subject of fine art. As well, tying in my previous posts roughly rounding out the effects of this pandemic we're all facing, the very reason I felt compelled to talk about this subject was due to isolation. I'm certainly not the only person that expanded their horizons while they were forced to stay in one place lately.

Today, as is referenced in some of my own sketch(y) art here which I'll be adding from now on, I'm going to delve a bit into the world of the arguably barbaric art. I'm talking Ant Hill/Insect Dug casting.

I will say that my own feelings regarding destruction of wildlife are firmly on the side of preservation. However, when it comes to problem pests such as fire ants and termites, I'm willing to let the matter slide; at least where it pertains to the pests being in too close proximity to humans or vice versa. No one should go out into the wilderness where these insects are bothering no one and pour molten metal into their homes.

That said, temporarily puncturing my humane standards did open up a world where fantasy meets reality and efficiency meets beauty. I won't be linking to any of the videos I've watched though I do recommend browsing Anthill Art on your own. A simply Google image search is enough to boggle the mind. The process of casting alone takes nerves of steel (aluminum in this case) that I do not have. It brought to mind the metalworkers and glass artists we've had at Art in the Wilds.

The results of blasting the tunnels of worker insects with the shock of 1,221 degrees of aluminum knocking on your door leaves me in awe with every single piece. An entire world is cast in detail. Every passage, cavern, and vent shaft - yes, they do make little vent shafts! - can be admired from all angles. As a writer, it opens my mind up to ideas of post-apocalyptic or alien worlds; a possible story landscape outside the norm.

While I have not seen this particular art style at our summer show, there's always the possibility one might appear in the future. Or, perhaps even better, someone takes inspiration from this Artist vs. Pestilence tactic to recreate the wonderous anthill in their own mediums.

The combined efforts of nature and man encouraged me to break out the pen after countless years! I do hope it puts the creative itch in all of you out there, as well.

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