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Artwork (Traditional) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Snake / Serpent
Size 1271 x 999
File Size 1.53 MB
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When I first started painting “Deadly Details” I only thought it was a pretty picture, but then I began to wonder, “Why do we dislike snakes?” There are many logical reasons for why the majority of society is afraid of them. Snakes are in the Bible and have close relations to the Devil, dragons that created fear came from snakes, Hollywood has used them often in movies, and so on. Other than the most common thoughts, are there deeper reasons we fear them? Let’s ignore all religious and story references for a minute. Snakes are strange creatures; in many ways they are opposite from us. We do everything with our hands and feet, but snakes don’t have limbs. We are warm blooded, and yet they are cold blooded. Snakes have scaly armor, we are vulnerable and fleshy. Snakes swallow their prey whole while we have to chew our food. They are very different from us, but that’s not the only reason they cause fear. Ever since man came to be snakes had to be avoided. In the past there was no such thing as antivenom, so if you were bitten by one your relatives were already planning your funeral. Many snakes are venomous and they are hard to tell apart, so it makes sense that our ancestors learned to avoid them. This caution just might be what has created our fears today. Stories have been passed down to be aware of snakes, but we distort this respect into fear and hatred. If you fear snakes or know someone that does, think about why. Snakes may be strange and intimidating, but they are no scarier than some of us. Be respectful of all snakes, for their beauty and usefulness in our world.
“Deadly Details” 11x14 inch canvas. Acrylic. © Cara Bevan
“Deadly Details” 11x14 inch canvas. Acrylic. © Cara Bevan
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Snake / Serpent
Size 1271 x 999px
File Size 1.53 MB
Listed in Folders
This is probably one of the most lovely pieces of work I've seen so far in my short stay on FA. I really did think it was a photograph when I first clicked, and was very pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. You're a very talented artist, I must say. This is wonderful, and the blurb about snakes was equally as enjoyable to read and ponder.
I wouldn't necessarily call snake skin an "armor" - their hide is still relatively fragile, especially compared to other reptiles like monitor lizards or crocodilians. (Argh, as evidenced by my poor gold hognose, he's covered in scars from mouse bites from his previous keeper.)
Obviously I feel no fear or distrust of snakes, as I keep a few of them. A few of them are even mildly venomous (equivalent to a bee sting). one of the things I love is that most "deadly" snakes are not deadly at all - rattlesnakes and copperheads come to mind. and most of those that are deadly don't often envenomate, and/or have a poor venom delivery (such as rearfanged).
fear of snakes is purely learned. I've yet to see an infant frightened of a snake of any size; and it seems the younger the child, the less fear of them.
my dad used to pick up wild snakes all the time, and he showed me how to properly catch and handle a wild snake without harming it. I couldn't possibly remember how many garter snakes I've been bitten by. I only used to be scared of large constrictors, but even that fear is gone with practice handling them. :]
Obviously I feel no fear or distrust of snakes, as I keep a few of them. A few of them are even mildly venomous (equivalent to a bee sting). one of the things I love is that most "deadly" snakes are not deadly at all - rattlesnakes and copperheads come to mind. and most of those that are deadly don't often envenomate, and/or have a poor venom delivery (such as rearfanged).
fear of snakes is purely learned. I've yet to see an infant frightened of a snake of any size; and it seems the younger the child, the less fear of them.
my dad used to pick up wild snakes all the time, and he showed me how to properly catch and handle a wild snake without harming it. I couldn't possibly remember how many garter snakes I've been bitten by. I only used to be scared of large constrictors, but even that fear is gone with practice handling them. :]
Yes, I guess you're right. Compared to fleshy skin though, their hide appears armor-like depsite its fragility.
I'm glad you love and respect snakes! It's hard to find those that do, so kudos to you! You are very insightful, thank you for your comment. I've seen babies playing with snakes and they don't have a lick of fear! It really makes sense when you hear that that the fear is taught or learned, not instinct. I've handled a 6+ foot black snake (he loves to eat chicken eggs and this wild guy is pretty tame to us now) and he's gentle as can be. He helps with the mouse population and I can't thank him and his cousins enough.
I'm glad you love and respect snakes! It's hard to find those that do, so kudos to you! You are very insightful, thank you for your comment. I've seen babies playing with snakes and they don't have a lick of fear! It really makes sense when you hear that that the fear is taught or learned, not instinct. I've handled a 6+ foot black snake (he loves to eat chicken eggs and this wild guy is pretty tame to us now) and he's gentle as can be. He helps with the mouse population and I can't thank him and his cousins enough.
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