STORY BEHIND THE ART OF AKIKO ENOKIDO

22nd Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Marin Art & Garden Center

Dinosaur Back Plant

Myrtillocactus geometrizans fo. cristatus

I traveled to Arizona early last spring. It was a mesmerizing experience to see such variety of cacti. The unique shape of Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristatus, commonly known as the Dinosaur Back Plant, particularly fascinated me. It is like a sculpture made by Mother Nature.

I did not have enough time to paint during my trip, so I visited the botanical garden in Osaka when I returned to Japan. There in the glass house I found this Dinosaur Back Plant, which was exactly what I wanted to paint.

Dinosaur Back Plant has interesting forms. In this case, a tree-like trunk, which has a tendency to fan out, with forms clustering over one another. This specimen was about 30 inches tall and the top parts of each branch are shaped as if they are holding hands, or as if in prayer, with blue, waxy hands in the light pouring into the glass house. I used gouache for the first time. I tried to show parts that are waxy but at the same time white on the surface.

Cactus plants have "bones" and "meaty parts," like a sponge structures. I tried to express the texture of its mass, and the bold presence of the plant. This is my first experience to paint the cactus. I am looking forward to find more attractive and interesting cacti to paint.

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Read more about this artist’s work: Out of the Woods