Shelltered Life (2022) Artwork

Shelltered Life (2022) shows a turtle residing in a temple made from Polaroid photographic films as the walls and an opened book as its roof. On the roof is a seashell fairy, a traveller gray kitten, and a large oyster shell. Flowers are growing out from the walls and roof of the temple and there are two vending machines flanking the reptile. In the background there is a row of vending machines selling various items such as stationery, snacks, fruits, and plates of food. A white unicorn was surfing down a steep waterfall and there are more temples along the hills. This mixed media art questions the boundary between the need and want of a sheltered life. Despite already having an organic shield from harm (shell), the turtle has enhanced his protection by living in a temple. Extreme convenience is amplified when his needs are met within an arms reach, if not, within a few steps. How much is too much?