A Hypothetical Food Chain

This sculpture is part of my current series focuses on exploring the concepts behind believability using fictional or mythological creatures as the main subject. I was inspired by the notion of creating an artistic interpretation of an imaginary food chain consisting of mythological beasts from North American folklore. The species used are listed from top to bottom including the American Jackalope, Chupacabra, Wampus Cat, and the infamous Wendigo.

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 I am fascinated by humanity’s desire to believe in the fantastical often fuels into our own suspension of disbelief and the realms of reality and fiction can become blurred. Folklore often uses a blend of truth and fabrication to tell stories that invoke a sense of wonder but often end with a cautionary tale at the end. The central creature in my current series involves a Wendigo, which is often depicted as a malevolent creature from Algonquin legends. This creature is often linked to stories related to winter, starvation, and famine. Legend has it that if a person becomes possessed by the spirit of a Wendigo then they might develop cannibalistic tendencies and an insatiable need to devour just about anything. 

 

Using ZBrush, I sculpted this chain of creature consisting of a jackalope, a chupacabra, a wampus cat, and a wendigo. The creatures were chosen based on their mythological origins and the plausibility that they could inhabit similar ecosystems. Inspired by the theme of “the body”, I sculpted the form of each creature to depict a hypothetical food chain in which the act of consuming each beast leads to the formation of one singular body. The newest form this sculpture has taken is in the physical manifestation of a plastic 3D print that will become part of my curio collection.