Domestication#1 Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of insect forms against a dramatic, overcast sky. Here we observe a large praying mantis positioned atop a cluster of rough-hewn rocks. Its elongated limbs and characteristic raptorial forelegs are prominently displayed, conveying an impression of both fragility and predatory power. A stag beetle is entangled within the mantis’s grasp, its antlers seemingly caught in the insects appendages. Fine strands of what appear to be spider silk stretch across the upper portion of the frame, adding a layer of visual complexity and suggesting a web-like environment.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, grays, and muted greens – which contribute to a sense of naturalism while also evoking an atmosphere of somberness or even foreboding. The lighting is diffused, creating soft shadows that emphasize the textures of the rocks and the insects’ exoskeletons.
The subtexts within this work are multifaceted. The central image of predation – the mantis capturing the stag beetle – immediately suggests themes of dominance, vulnerability, and the cyclical nature of life and death in the natural world. However, the entanglement of the stag beetle, rather than a swift or decisive capture, introduces an element of struggle and perhaps even a sense of shared fate. The presence of spider silk further complicates this dynamic, hinting at a broader ecosystem where survival is contingent upon intricate relationships and precarious balances.
The scale of the insects relative to the viewer’s perspective creates a feeling of being immersed in their world, prompting contemplation about the often-overlooked dramas unfolding within seemingly insignificant corners of existence. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty – a visual exploration of power dynamics, interdependence, and the inherent strangeness of the natural order.