Spore Spiral

Tightly cropped this loosely painted image of a foliose lichen feels like an aquatic abstraction.. 

A cheerful pattern of orange polka dots are set in a field of moody blue greens, representing the sporing bodies of the the fungus int this symbiotic pairing of fungus and photosynthesizing algae.  If the spores float away and form a new fungus, it will languish until it finds a new photobiont to pair with.. thus the preferred way for lichen to propagate is to break off little flakes along perforated lines the colony has evolved.. thus the paired organisms will clone themselves keeping their union in tact.. I am in awe of the ingenuity of life and scientific observations that give us insight into life's marvels.  This large-scale painting is a show stopper, great conversation piece and calming reminder of natures generous embrace.