WeDontGoforStrangers Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a surreal juxtaposition of natural elements and symbolic objects arranged on what appears to be a weathered tree branch. The artist has constructed a still life that blends realism with unsettling implications.
Here we see a human skull positioned prominently in the lower left quadrant, its empty sockets staring out towards the viewer. This immediately introduces themes of mortality and decay. The skull is not presented as an isolated element; it rests against the rough texture of the branch, suggesting a connection between life and death, or perhaps a commentary on the inevitable return to nature.
Several large insects populate the scene. A stag beetle clings to the upper portion of the branch, its segmented body rendered with meticulous detail. Another beetle is positioned near the skull, seemingly interacting with it. The presence of these creatures, typically associated with wilderness and primal instincts, contributes to a sense of unease and disruption. They are not merely decorative; their size and proximity to the human remains suggest a power dynamic – nature’s dominion over human existence.
The branch itself is rendered in considerable detail, its bark showing signs of age and weathering. It serves as both a physical platform for the other elements and a visual metaphor for resilience and endurance despite the passage of time. The background features a muted sky with soft gradations of color, providing a sense of depth while not distracting from the central arrangement.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation tinged with morbidity. The artist seems to be exploring themes of impermanence, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the indifferent power of the natural world. The deliberate placement of the skull alongside the insects suggests a blurring of boundaries between human civilization and the untamed wilderness, prompting reflection on humanity’s place within the larger ecosystem. The meticulous rendering of each element lends an unsettling beauty to the scene, enhancing its symbolic weight.