Relationships #3 – Commensalism
$2,500.00
Artist: Karen Logan
Medium: Acrylic
Artist Statement:
Deciding how to represent “Relationships #3 – Commensalism” was my biggest challenge in this series. Commensalism is a one-sided symbiotic relationship where one of the organisms benefits greatly from the symbiosis while the other is not helped but is not harmed or damaged from the relationship either. Like the other relationships there are countless examples that can be seen – when we actually look but I needed something that resonated with me and completed my story. During a hike one early spring I noticed the leaf buds of a Shagbark Hickory tree. They looked like fingers on a hand as they began to unfurl. I loved this image so much I had painted it several times using different methods to explore ways to capture the gracefulness of the leaves. It was this image that spoke to me as a way to illustrate commensalism – a spider web on a tree branch does no harm to the tree but provides a perfect place for a spider to take up residence and set his trap. Relationships happen everywhere and all the time – we just need to stop and see them. Appreciating and understanding the world around us will help to make this a much better place to be.
Artist Biography:
As an artist, my journey has been deeply influenced by my early experiences in drafting and mechanical design, which instilled in me a passion for precision and detail. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to bring these qualities into my artwork, creating highly realistic and detailed paintings that capture the essence of my subjects. My childhood drawing lessons taught me the importance of observation and patience, skills that have remained central to my artistic practice.
I have always held a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all living beings. Indigenous leaders remind us to honor the land, air, and water, cautioning that harm to the natural world inevitably affects humanity. I am driven to amplify this message, endeavouring to raise awareness of Hamilton’s indigenous species through my artwork.
Nature and the environment have always been important to me and I try to share my passion through my art to bridge the gap between urban dwellers and our natural world, igniting a sense of wonder and urgency for conservation efforts. Over the years I have worked in watercolour, acrylic, soft pastels and Chinese Brush Painting.
