My World or Yours?
by Judy Kennedy
Title
My World or Yours?
Artist
Judy Kennedy
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The story behind the image: Recently (June 29, 2019), I had the pleasure and capturing a Mojave Rattlesnake on my property and then releasing it back into the wild. This is not an irregular event for me, so I always take advantage of the situation and get some video footage and photographs out of it for artistic and educational purposes. I love these snakes and the mojave (pronounced mohavee with the accent on the “ha”) is probably my favorite rattler because its markings are so distinct and its personality is a bit feisty. Considered one of the most dangerous vipers in the United States, its venom is neurotoxic - meaning that if you’re unlucky enough to get in its way and suffer the consequences, the symptoms include paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death. So stay out of their way! They were here first, and only strike in self-defense. Now, as you can see by my previous, non-manipulated photos of this snake, they are masters of camouflage so it’s easy not to see them - that’s part of their defense. Most of the time, they’ll feel your vibration and give off a warning rattle before you get too close. But if they’re hiding under some brush and haven’t warmed up for the day, that might not happen. You could get struck if you step on them, so it’s really, really important to watch where you’re going if you’re hiking in the desert. Otherwise, if you’re lucky enough to see them from a safe distance, then enjoy their beauty and grace. They keep rodent populations down and are equally vital for the health of the ecosystem.
The artistic digital manipulation of this image: This is a still captured from video footage that I digitally manipulated for artistic effect. I took several still frames for this purpose. This one is called “My World or Yours?” because of the the symbolism implied in the two dominant colors of the artistic filter I chose to apply. The bright, bold, and slightly psychedelic greens and purples are evenly disbursed, as a merging of realities or perspectives is taking place from a shamanistic perspective. It’s as if the snake is asking me if I wanted to stay in my world or venture over to his or hers. I say why don’t we just stay right here in this blended state of being? Yes, it’s rather awkward, strange, and surreal that we should be having this conversation al all, but isn’t it beautiful, exciting, and uplifting just the way it is? The compromise in color choice speaks for itself!
Uploaded
July 18th, 2019
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