Octopus

Octopuses (yes, not Octopi!) are the masters at hide and seek... or more correctly; hide and never be seen. They have nearly a trillion skin cells that can each be manipulated consciously by the Octopus to replicate exact colors in its environment! Octopuses have this amazing ability due to color changing cells underneath the skin called "chromatophores" which contain an elastic sac filled with different colored pigments, according to the Smithsonian National Museum. The octopus then controls these chromatophores filled with color through the nervous system and muscular contractions, changing their shape to form patterns. They also have well-developed eyesight, which scientists believe allows them to detect both the color and intensity of light! I wanted to play with this idea of "camouflage" and "illusions" in this #graphitedrawing to show you just how easily they can disappear in a bundle of #coral and texture, it’s also a meditation on this amazing animal's adaptions, and how specific they are, which puts them at risk to our changing climate!

Details:

• 11"X14" graphite on Bristol paper
• signed and dated by the artist
• framing included in price. Delivers in a black wood frame with glass.