ARTWORK: With limitless patience and through the creation of a unique art
form, the two artists, father and son, have taken cotton as the raw material for
the 2,736 individual petals forming the 228 blossoms, each one taking up to 10
hours to complete. Each flower has an unique color and shape and embraces a
diamond within its stamens. In time, the exquisitely thin silver wires supporting
the white stamens will turn black, adding a new dramatic contrast to the center
of each blossom, highlighting the diamond studs. Also, eventually, parts of the
silver tree trunk will blacken, making the piece even more three dimensional.
On the tree, the butterflies and mantises are formed by hair-like silver wire.
Light, playing on the opal eyes of the mantis, will cause them to change color.
The web-like wings of the mantis are made of paper-thin silver crafted with
extraordinary patience and skill by the artists. The body angle and look of the
mantis about to pounce on the helpless butterfly, speak of his cold, jealous,
                 
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