Leaf cutter ants cut up plastic bags in the rainforest and carry plastic back to their den
Watercolor on Paper
21.5(31F) x 29(38F) x Matted and framed
Private Collection
Survival is no picnic in the rainforest. From the largest to the smallest creature, labor and dedication ensures that existence continues. This painting of South American leaf cutter ants brings the question of human contribution into focus. Normally, Leaf cutter ants diligently collect small bits of leaf matter to cultivate their underground gardens for their food supply. In this way, ants recycle forest debris that is then available for plants to use. I witnessed them carrying away our plastic bags. Can we find a way to have our plastic bags and non-recyclable trash serve more purposes than just our own?
Survival is no picnic in the rainforest. From the largest to the smallest creature, labor and dedication ensures that existence continues. This painting of South American leaf cutter ants brings the question of human contribution into focus. Normally, Leaf cutter ants diligently collect small bits of leaf matter to cultivate their underground gardens for their food supply. In this way, ants recycle forest debris that is then available for plants to use. I witnessed them carrying away our plastic bags. Can we find a way to have our plastic bags and non-recyclable trash serve more purposes than just our own?