The Reptile and the ButterFlies
This is not a relationship.
This is temporary.
It is in my nature.
Chlorophyll printing is an alternative photographic process where photographic images are developed on natural leaves through the action of photosynthesis. This organic technique does not use chemicals since the photographs are exposed directly to the sunlight on plants or trees leaves. I wanted the interaction of the portraits to have a time limit. I wanted to initially preserve them but the medium does not lend itself to the permanent.
Parasitism is a relationship between two species in which one of them benefitted and the other species is harmed or receives no benefit in the process.
Symbiosis is a close relationship between two species in which usually both get benefits from each other.
Usually, although parasites harm their hosts, it is in the parasite's best interest not to kill the host, because it relies on the host's body and body functions, such as digestion or blood circulation, to live.
I was inspired by the image taken by Marc Cowan for The Royal Society Publishing Photo Competition. Cowan captured this amazing sight while visiting the Amazon for a reptile and amphibian study with the Herpetology Division of the University of Michigan.
However, the sight isn't particularly unusual. Butterflies feast on the salt that collects on caimans' skin. Reptiles' tears contain the vital element, which, in some regions, is scarce. Bees and butterflies will often drink the tears of reptiles to supplement their diet. There has even been documentation of moths approaching sleeping birds in order to gather salt from the tears.
Initially most will witness beauty.
The butterfly is classically a symbol of rebirth, metamorphosis and change, but its life is a constant battle, and its only motivation is survival. There are several species including the Luna moth that reach the final stage of their lives without mouths. Evolution cheated them of the opportunity to continue past procreation. They will starve to death in pursuit of a ‘anam cara’ silently.
There is nothing romantic about this. This is temporary and based on a need to survive.
Alligators first appeared during the Oligocene epoch about 37 million years ago. They are the are the host, the constant, the immortal. The butterfly has it’s own agenda.
I love the the idea of the immortal and the ephemeral.
