Touch: Animals

Animals

"Folk wisdom has it that animals can predict earthquakes. Live stock are often reported busting out of their barns, household pets leaping from the house, pacing in a frenzy, or simply acting strangely before a tremor, which may be because of the static electricity in the air." - Diane Ackerman

Artist Statement: I heard about this before. There has been many stories reported of animals freaking out or disappearing before an earthquake hits. As a Floridian though, I never had to worry about earthquakes hitting. The idea of animals being able to "feel" something more than humans reminded me of my cat back at home. Sometimes when it is just me and my cat she'll start to act stranger than usual. Animals and their actions are mysterious to humans, and sometimes, worrisome. When my cat starts to run around, meowing or no reason, or staring at the inanimate objects for long periods of time, it always concerns me. It makes me think "What are you feeling?" Should I be concerned about something? Is someone else in the house? Is something going to happen? Is there a spirit present here? Or is my cat just being weird all together? I can never tell what my cat is feeling but I find it interesting how animals are able to sense more than what humans can. Maybe one day my cat's random actions will have a meaning to them.

Materials Used: Prismacolor Markers, ink pens.

Touch: Hair

Hair

"Because hairy skin is thinner, its more sensitive than smooth skin. One hair can be easily triggered: If something presses it or tugs at it, if it tip is touched, if the skin around it is pressed, the hair violates and sparks a nerve." - Diane Ackerman

 Artist Statement: (Man I am not sure what I am doing, so hoping I am doing this right) While reading this section, it made me think more about the pinching feeling that is created when a hair is pulled on me. That fiery sensation for a split second, and then it is gone. It reminded me why I am so cautious and, almost afraid in a way when it comes to getting my hair cut or waxed. I remember for the longest time I wouldn't get my eyebrows wax because I knew there would be that stinging feeling of hair being pulled off afterward when the waxy paper is ripped off my forehead. Even now when I get my hair cut, I always think about what if the stylist pulls on it too hard or catches the hair and its ripped off? However, I am fascinated by how something that is so small and appears so fragile can be quite painful when trying to be removed. It might be the hair trying to tell us that it does not want to leave our bodies.

Materials used: Prismacolor Markers, ink pens.