Eastern Tiger butterfly in Concentric

Concentric circles: Like the surface ripples of a raindrop on a pond, we cannot ignore that our actions have a ripple effect on our environment, and that all actions are interrelated. Symbolically, a circle represents the completion of cycles, transition, potential, and a movement that never ends towards self-realization.

This concentric circle is based on the Eastern Tiger swallowtail butterfly, specifically the female, which has the striking blue chevrons and an iridescent blue wash over parts of the interior hindwing. Since ancient times butterflies, have been one of the most universally cherished insects by human cultures around the world.

The delicate, engaging butterfly represents spiritual rebirth, transformation, creativity, endless potential, vibrant joy, change, ascension, and an ability to experience the wonder of life. The magnificent life of the butterfly closely mirrors the process of spiritual transformation as we each have the possibility to be reborn through going within.

Some interesting information on how this artwork was created:

This concentric circle was created with a specially designed spinning device. The spinning device concept came about after Laresa, wanted to have a rotating easel to make working on geometric art works a lot easier on the shoulders. Her first spinning device was made out the rotisserie motor of her braai (barbeque). She woke up early one morning and dismantled the family braai. She then made a very primitive rotating device that she burnt out within a few days. And so, the process began of refining what she needed the final unit to do. The process of refining the device took approximately 2 years with a lot of sketches, homemade prototypes, and designs. Now Laresa has a unit that can be used in all the ways she has in her mind. Her final design with all the alterations and amendments was put together by an engineering company in Cape Town.

The various units she designs to execute her artwork, is an integral part of her process of creation. To date she has come up with 3 main designs, with each having their own unique functions with various appendages.