Stag Beetle with Gold No.1 Print

This Giclee print is based on an original watercolour of the glorious yet humble, Stag Beetle. The iridescent green and almost neon highlights are so vibrant that one questions how it could be natural. This beautiful creature showcases some of the kaleidoscopic potential of the natural world. Surrounded by a meticulously hand-applied geometric design in pure 24 carat gold, the artist raises questions of value in this series of unique, truly one-of-a-kind, monoprints. Gold has been coveted and worshipped throughout human history, its value implied and applied for millennia. It features prominently in religious and spiritual practices the world over. The value of a single beetle might seem insignificant next to the value of this precious metal, and yet without insects there would be no life on this planet. The beetle is, in fact, invaluable. There is alarming news about rapidly declining insect populations around the globe. These paintings and prints hope to spark some awareness of their plight. The preservation of these brilliant creatures is of paramount importance.