TheCrossing Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a surreal landscape populated by insects, arranged in a carefully constructed tableau. A prominent, arched structure – resembling a stylized vine or bridge – dominates the scene, serving as a pathway for several of the creatures. These insects, rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant coloration, appear to be traversing this elevated path.
Below the arch, a body of water reflects the sky and the rocky terrain that rises from its edge. The rocks themselves are substantial, creating a sense of scale and solidity within the otherwise fantastical environment. Several insects are positioned on these rocks or partially submerged in the water, adding depth to the scene. A single insect lies prone near the foreground, seemingly lifeless amidst the activity above.
The color palette is notable for its contrast: the warm tones of the arch and some of the insects stand out against the cooler grays and blues of the sky and water. The presence of a pale orb – likely intended to represent the moon – adds an ethereal quality to the upper portion of the image, casting subtle shadows and highlighting the arched structure.
Subtly, the work explores themes of transition and precariousness. The insects’ journey across the arch suggests a passage or crossing, perhaps symbolic of lifes challenges or moments of vulnerability. The arrangement implies a deliberate order, yet the potential for disruption is evident in the insect lying on the ground and the inherent instability of traversing such a narrow path. The artist seems to be investigating the relationship between individual existence and the larger environment, presenting a world where even seemingly insignificant creatures are engaged in an ongoing process of navigation and survival. The meticulous rendering of the insects, combined with the dreamlike setting, invites contemplation on the fragility and beauty found within the natural world.