Mythical Mark
Artist: ZEHTA HERRING
2021
Medium: Mixed
Size: 660mm x 770mm x 630mm
2021
Medium: Mixed
Size: 660mm x 770mm x 630mm
Artist Statement:
My creature is called Mythical Mark, he thrives in a forest environment and is able to draw energy through the earth, in order to heal himself and the plant life around him. He is known by many as the guardian of the forest. He uses his long claws and canine teeth to tear apart his prey. Mythical Mark is a Clypeus which is an ancient species that has been traced back to the era of ancient Rome.
I was inspired by the Pangolins skin and used pinecone pieces to represent the pangolins keratin scales. I also took inspiration from the hairless aardvarks ears which have incredible hearing. A donkey’s tail, used for swatting away flies. The dingo’s body for endurance. Deer legs for speed and wombat claws for digging. I have called my creature’s species a Clypeus which translates to shield in Latin. I chose Latin because Pangolins played a huge role in ancient Roman culture. It was, and still is thought that pangolins helped trapped spirits pass to the afterlife. The Pangolin symbolises protection and their scales were often stitched on Roman gladiators armour as an extra barrier or shield against their enemies’ weapons.
I really enjoyed the process I used to create Mythical Mark. The first thing I did was choose what environment my creature was going to live in. Once that was established, I did some extensive research into unusual animals and insects within my chosen environment, so I could determine which features I wanted to use. I used scrunched newspaper to create the basic shape and then coated it in paper mache pulp to construct a solid structure, with definition. I made sure to look from different viewpoints when creating my piece to ensure that it used both positive and negative space as well as being three dimensional and intriguing from every angle. The pinecones I used for Mythical Mark’s skin provided a scaly affect. Every pinecone piece being a slightly different shade and texture makes it appear realistic and natural. I aimed for my creature to look both ferocious and out of this world, I believe this is a goal I have achieved.
My creature is called Mythical Mark, he thrives in a forest environment and is able to draw energy through the earth, in order to heal himself and the plant life around him. He is known by many as the guardian of the forest. He uses his long claws and canine teeth to tear apart his prey. Mythical Mark is a Clypeus which is an ancient species that has been traced back to the era of ancient Rome.
I was inspired by the Pangolins skin and used pinecone pieces to represent the pangolins keratin scales. I also took inspiration from the hairless aardvarks ears which have incredible hearing. A donkey’s tail, used for swatting away flies. The dingo’s body for endurance. Deer legs for speed and wombat claws for digging. I have called my creature’s species a Clypeus which translates to shield in Latin. I chose Latin because Pangolins played a huge role in ancient Roman culture. It was, and still is thought that pangolins helped trapped spirits pass to the afterlife. The Pangolin symbolises protection and their scales were often stitched on Roman gladiators armour as an extra barrier or shield against their enemies’ weapons.
I really enjoyed the process I used to create Mythical Mark. The first thing I did was choose what environment my creature was going to live in. Once that was established, I did some extensive research into unusual animals and insects within my chosen environment, so I could determine which features I wanted to use. I used scrunched newspaper to create the basic shape and then coated it in paper mache pulp to construct a solid structure, with definition. I made sure to look from different viewpoints when creating my piece to ensure that it used both positive and negative space as well as being three dimensional and intriguing from every angle. The pinecones I used for Mythical Mark’s skin provided a scaly affect. Every pinecone piece being a slightly different shade and texture makes it appear realistic and natural. I aimed for my creature to look both ferocious and out of this world, I believe this is a goal I have achieved.
Proudly powered by Weebly