“American Alligator”

“American Alligator” explores the varied textures of the wetlands. The American Alligator / Alligator mississippiensis suns itself in the warm Louisiana weather on top of a rotting log. Its jagged scales create curving geometry, in contrast to the directional grain of the rotting wood and organic mess of the surrounding plants. Dollarweed / Hydrocotyle, Spanish moss / Tillandsia usneoides, bend under the weight of the Alligator, while reaching up to the same sun. 

Once on the brink of extirpation, the American alligator has made a massive comeback. Everytime I see an Alligator in the swamp I am reminded that the dedication of a few can save a species like the American Alligator for all of us.  

“American Alligator”, Woodcut on BFK, image 22” x 21 ¾”, paper 29 ¾” x 30 ¾”, 2023