Silver Factory Crabs - Warhol-inspired acrylic painting of hermit crabs

"Silver Factory Crabs" | Acrylic, mica flake, and garnet gel medium on canvas | 2019

Two hermit crabs in non-traditional Warhol-inspired shells convene on a black sand beach. "Silver Factory Crabs" measures 10" W x 10" H; unframed, but wired to hang. This piece has a lot of sparkle and texture and would be great for lovers of Andy Warhol, nautical themes, crabs, and beaches. This was completed as an addendum to the Shiny Beautiful Things series after seeing some hermit crabs struggling to find suitable "homes."

Shiny Beautiful Things – series background: I decided to explore why we classify certain animals as trashy and hold others in such high esteem, considering we develop buildings on their natural habitats and are responsible for the majority of the trash on this planet. In my research, I learned the critters we deem invasive, feral, and unwanted weren't always this way – it's a learned response due to our overconsumption. Additionally, it's likely they remind us of the qualities we don't like about ourselves. The series depicts our maligned filthy friends finding ways to survive and thrive amid their trashy existence.