HowsYellowEyes. Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a meticulously arranged tableau featuring various insect species clustered around weathered wooden stumps. The background displays a gradient sky transitioning from dusky rose at the horizon to a deeper violet overhead, creating a sense of twilight or dawn. A band of white material runs along the lower edge, acting as a visual ground and subtly separating the scene from the surrounding space.
Here we see several iridescent beetles – primarily green and blue – dominating the foreground. They are positioned on and around three stumps of varying heights, their metallic sheen catching the light in a way that emphasizes their physicality. A butterfly with patterned wings perches atop one of these insects, creating a visual hierarchy within the group. To the right, a praying mantis is prominently displayed, its elongated limbs extended as if poised for action or observation. Several smaller insects are scattered across the white band at the base, adding depth and complexity to the arrangement.
The artist’s choice of subject matter – insects often associated with fragility, transformation, and hidden life – suggests a contemplation on themes of natures intricate systems. The deliberate placement of each creature implies an intentionality that moves beyond mere representation; it suggests a constructed ecosystem, perhaps reflecting human intervention or control within the natural world.
The color palette contributes to this sense of artificiality. While the greens and blues of the insects are naturally occurring, their intensity is heightened, creating a somewhat surreal effect. The muted tones of the stumps and the sky further amplify the vibrancy of the insect life. This contrast could be interpreted as highlighting the beauty found within seemingly mundane or overlooked aspects of existence.
The praying mantis’s posture introduces an element of tension and potential threat. Its predatory nature, juxtaposed with the apparent tranquility of the scene, hints at a deeper narrative – a subtle commentary on power dynamics and survival within the natural order. The overall effect is one of carefully orchestrated stillness, inviting viewers to consider the delicate balance between beauty, vulnerability, and predation that characterizes the natural world.