Scarlet Ascent

About this piece

Scarlet heliconia bracts alternate along an upright stalk, their pointed curves set against a luminous blur of yellow-green foliage. Backlighting traces their edges in gold, while diagonal green stems cross the lower foreground. A tiny ant on a bract introduces an intimate sense of scale to the bold, sculptural composition.

The story

In this November frame, light gathers along the red bracts, turning their thin edges almost golden. A small ant stands on one bright rim, scarcely more than a dark punctuation mark. Around it, the foliage dissolves into green and yellow, leaving the plant's sweeping forms sharply present. The eye follows each curve upward until the tallest point passes beyond the frame.