Travis Louie, It Grew From the Brambles, 2012, acrylic on board, 14 x 11"
It started out as a small bit of growth on a
blackberry bush on a farm in New Hampshire. As it grew in size and the
tendrils waved as it crawled across the ground, it was kept as a
curiosity in a small glass enclosure. It was sold to a traveling
carnival and toured as part of a freak show. It grew larger and sprouted
eyes. When it was the size of calf, it was entered in the Secret Pet
Society's bi-annual show in 1896. It won first prize, beating the
runner-up (a giant lobster) in the category of "Things That Creep." |