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Description
April 2014
Hematophagia is when one animal lives on the blood of another animal; it is a term derived from the Greek words “haima” – meaning blood – and “phagein” – meaning to eat. Because blood is a fluid tissue rich in nutritious proteins and lipids that can be obtained and ingested with no great effort, it has evolved to be a preferred form of feeding in many small animals, such as worms and arthropods. Among these creatures include butterflies.
In relationship to the previous series’ photo, and actually with the past few photos in the series, I noticed I’ve been using and depicting blood frequently, so I wanted to create a photo that more directly addresses a bloody topic. In reading about hematophagia, which first brings mosquitoes and vampire bats to mind (two creatures that many despise and fear), it was interesting to find butterflies, which are typically perceived as fragile and innocent creatures, will also feed on blood, a tainted concept that has been deemed macabre and evil by many people. Therefore, I wanted to create an image that juxtaposes that which is commonly disgusting and that which is commonly beautiful to create a gruesome yet alluring image.
Additionally, I was also inspired to learn that butterflies are symbolic of transformation, powerful metamorphosis, renewal and rebirth, lightness of being, the world of the soul, the psyche, elevation from earthly matters, finding joy in life, and transcendence. All of these are spiritual and uplifting associations. Blood, though terrifying to a large number of people, is still the essence of life. Lastly, I want to note the fitting coincidence that this was my inspiration during the Holy Week of Lent, which is a solemn Christian observance meant to prepare the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, and denial of self. It is a time that I find is also simultaneously somber and joyous, and celebrates salvation through blood and metaphorical hematophagia.
previous in the series:
for the latest updates to my Tangential Topics Series, please join me at Tumblr
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featured
News: Conceptual Spotlight Vol. 87 by devPREMIUM
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website | tumblr | etsy | redbubble | society6 | facebook | behance
all gallery content © sophia a zhou with respective attributions as proper.
This image is not granted to the public domain, and is protected under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Licenses for commercial and derivative use of this image may be available for purchase. Please contact me if interested.
Under the Creative Commons license, this piece may be displayed on other websites as long as:
- Credit is given to Sophia A Zhou, in writing
- A link is provided linking back to the original piece
- All other conditions under the Creative Commons License are met
Any use of this piece other than as authorized under this Creative Commons License or Copyright Law is prohibited.
Hematophagia is when one animal lives on the blood of another animal; it is a term derived from the Greek words “haima” – meaning blood – and “phagein” – meaning to eat. Because blood is a fluid tissue rich in nutritious proteins and lipids that can be obtained and ingested with no great effort, it has evolved to be a preferred form of feeding in many small animals, such as worms and arthropods. Among these creatures include butterflies.
In relationship to the previous series’ photo, and actually with the past few photos in the series, I noticed I’ve been using and depicting blood frequently, so I wanted to create a photo that more directly addresses a bloody topic. In reading about hematophagia, which first brings mosquitoes and vampire bats to mind (two creatures that many despise and fear), it was interesting to find butterflies, which are typically perceived as fragile and innocent creatures, will also feed on blood, a tainted concept that has been deemed macabre and evil by many people. Therefore, I wanted to create an image that juxtaposes that which is commonly disgusting and that which is commonly beautiful to create a gruesome yet alluring image.
Additionally, I was also inspired to learn that butterflies are symbolic of transformation, powerful metamorphosis, renewal and rebirth, lightness of being, the world of the soul, the psyche, elevation from earthly matters, finding joy in life, and transcendence. All of these are spiritual and uplifting associations. Blood, though terrifying to a large number of people, is still the essence of life. Lastly, I want to note the fitting coincidence that this was my inspiration during the Holy Week of Lent, which is a solemn Christian observance meant to prepare the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, and denial of self. It is a time that I find is also simultaneously somber and joyous, and celebrates salvation through blood and metaphorical hematophagia.
previous in the series:
for the latest updates to my Tangential Topics Series, please join me at Tumblr
--
featured
News: Conceptual Spotlight Vol. 87 by devPREMIUM
--
website | tumblr | etsy | redbubble | society6 | facebook | behance
all gallery content © sophia a zhou with respective attributions as proper.
This image is not granted to the public domain, and is protected under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Licenses for commercial and derivative use of this image may be available for purchase. Please contact me if interested.
Under the Creative Commons license, this piece may be displayed on other websites as long as:
- Credit is given to Sophia A Zhou, in writing
- A link is provided linking back to the original piece
- All other conditions under the Creative Commons License are met
Any use of this piece other than as authorized under this Creative Commons License or Copyright Law is prohibited.
Image size
950x675px 251.77 KB
Make
Canon
Model
Canon EOS REBEL T1i
Shutter Speed
1/160 second
Aperture
F/2.2
Focal Length
50 mm
ISO Speed
400
Date Taken
Apr 11, 2014, 3:40:38 PM
Sensor Size
4mm
Comments11
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very beautiful picture. great contrasting colors, not cluttered with needless knick knacks, great and very suitable expression of the model and beautifully shot :3