Metamorphosis

In the world I've been invited to visit, fearies are 3 feet tall, not 3 inches. They aren't born with their wings either! When they are anywhere between 100 and 160 years old (like 10 or 16 years old to us), their body begins to change. That's when they can choose to undergo this change, or to continue as they are and remain walkers and climbers. As you would think, most prepare themselves and allow the transformation to take place.

Their backs get sore and itchy. There's a small opening that begins to get, well, gooey. Once their hands and feet begin to get sticky, they know it's time to take a position on a branch with others and begin the process. Their bodies begin to cocoon. Both males and females hang from tree branches in this way for three months. They are at danger of being attacked by wild animals while in this state so cocoons are watched and protected by the strongest of fearies day and night.

Once their wings are strong and fully developed, they can start to stretch them out. Just hours after emerging from their long sleep, they stretch their wings, dry them in the sun and attempt flight, but not without the help of elders. Watching a first flight is an ethereal experience.

Painted in oils on a 24" x 36" gallery canvas.