"Survival of the fittest" is often misunderstood. It was originally meant to imply that the most well-adapted species prevail, not necessarily the "fittest" species. This means that the success of certain traits is not solely dependent on the efficiency of those traits. Rather, it is a complex interplay of environmental conditions, competition, pests, and much more. The success of a trait can largely depend on luck, such as favorable conditions for its spread within a stable population or its extinction due to an event. The fragility of populations is evident in the many species currently facing extinction—evolutionary marvels that suddenly disappear. Traits may take millions of years to develop or may never emerge again. When applied to humans, this is an important realization as it undermines race theories and eugenicist ideologies. The sole basis of these dehumanizing ideologies is a perceived superiority easily refuted by evolutionary insights. There is no basis for considering any physical traits as inferior. However, there is a good reason why this argument is rarely heard: a discussion about the value of human life is incompatible with insights from ethical philosophy. Human dignity is inviolable, and every individual determines their own worth. A discussion about the value of human traits or peculiarities should not even be entertained, as such a discussion is inherently undignified. Unfortunately, there are increasingly societal concepts that garner support with antiquated and dehumanizing views. It is important to employ reason and humanity to oppose such developments.

I just want to look
👀 into your eyes
one more time 😶‍🌫️

Happy Pi Day!

Pi is a mathematical constant that describes the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The circle is often associated with perfection. Natural processes and structures are often characterized by irregularities and variations, even if they approximate a circular pattern. Idealized perfection, as defined in geometry, is rarely or not at all found in natural phenomena.

This is my 777th post! Like the number 7, the circle is often regarded as a symbol of completeness, perfection, and infinity, as it endlessly revolves around itself, without beginning or end. However, in contrast, Pi, an irrational number with an infinite decimal representation, remains inaccessible despite all efforts.

This irony underscores the tension between the ideal of completion and the reality of inaccessibility, offering insights into the nature of humanity and the universe.

In attempting to draw a circle, however, constantly deviating slightly from perfection, a spiral may emerge.

This consideration leads to a deeper understanding of the relationship between the circle, representing perfection and completion - and the spiral, often associated with growth, change, and evolution.

The spiral resulting from this attempt serves as a visual representation of human striving for perfection and completion, yet it also reminds me of the beauty of the natural and authentic, which often manifests in imperfection. Often hindered by errors, imperfections, or external influences.

Metaphorically, it expresses the infinite process of self-improvement and growth, while striving for perfection and grappling with the realities and challenges of life. Progress often occurs not linearly, but in waves or cycles.

In this sense, the emergence of a spiral from the attempt to draw a circle reminds me that perfection is a continuous process of self-unfolding and growth, driven by the pursuit of perfection and the acceptance of imperfection.

A final prayer whispered as darkness consumes.

(I don't really feed my snake live prey)

✨️ Once every five to six weeks it's time for the ultimate skin care routine. Dakota relies on a full body exfoliation. ✨️

And so Bruce emerged from his brumation and demonstratively licked the tip of his nose. He's looking forward to seeing his girls and can't wait for me to finally finish renovating the terrarium.

Happy Valentine's Day! 💖
Today, as people celebrate love and romance, I'm reminded of the beautiful symbolism behind the hibiscus flower. Just like the hibiscus, love blooms in vibrant colors, filling our lives with beauty and passion. May your days be filled with love, joy, and the sweet fragrance of affection. Wishing you all untold days as lovely as the hibiscus itself! 🌺🐝

Trust in me, just in me... ✨
... shut your eyes and trust in me! 🔥

Because straight lines are boring ❤️

“Inner Development”

Here artistic intent and unexpected influences merge. This work, originally intended as a print of a bare foot in dried and cracked paint, took a fascinating turn.

A vibrant palette of green and yellow tones, infused with traces of nature. It wasn't my hand, but beetles that found their way unnoticed that left their mark here. The original vision has been reinterpreted by nature, and the beetles' damage is now a powerful symbol of change and unpredictability.

In this unexpected collaboration I find an organic metaphor for metamorphosis and change. The traces of the beetle metamorphosis, as unintentional symbolism, tells a story of transformation and the unstoppable passage of time. Art and nature merge into a unique aesthetic fusion of planned creativity and spontaneous influences.

I consciously decided against the original footprint in order to preserve the traces of the beetles. This was not a defeat, but a choice that intensified the dialogue between art and chance. The work thus becomes a timeless testimony to the beauty that arises from the symbiosis of human creativity and the power of nature.

In ‘Inner Development’ we see, how the creative process goes beyond the boundaries of intention. The unintended elements are not mistakes but sources of inspiration. This work invites you to discover the beauty in the unexpected and experience the transformative power of art.

The painting is a 20cm x 20cm egg tempera on canvas. The beetles are drugstore beetles (Stegobium paniceum). These have gone through all stages of development inside the dried paint. I collected them and cleaned the painting. It was then disinfected in the oven and prepared with linseed oil varnish. What remains is a detailed landscape that tells a colorful story of life.