My work with lichen is an exploration of the micro-worlds of our forest floors. These formations are so small I had to use a magnifying glass in front of my phone lens to capture source images. But once I had those images, I could explore the amazing depth of their spaces in paint.

This formation is commonly called antler lichen, and I played with an alternative palette in rendering it. There’s a definite playfulness to the curves of the lichen and the tiny “budded” tips.

“Antler Swing”
16” x 20” x 1.5”, Acrylic on canvas
2021