Smokey Joe

Nature's gift to us ... Many before me would have seen a peculiar phenomenon of cancerous lumps growing on branches of trees ( but never have noticed it), imbue by the mistletoe bird who feeds predominantly on mistletoe berries ... this tale continues at "artist info"

... as you all may or may not know there`s quite a tale or two to tell about the mistletoe which was damned by God to a parasite`s life in my neck of the woods thus; no snogging nor mirth and merriment under it here at Christmastime.

The Vikings-asterix, the Celts and the Druids from pagan Britain believed in its healing powers - made all kinds of magic and therapeutic drinks with it ... and that the sticky white berries which is poisonous would somehow make other poisons harmless ... " that said " first question ... how come there is a thriving industry of mistletoe wine and cider if the berries are Hemlock reincarnated !!

The Scandinavians of yester years considered the mistletoe so sacred that enemies whom meet under it would lay down their arms and keep a truce until the next day.

Notwithstanding the above, there are those who believe Christ cross was made from its wood: so all-be-it cursed as it was it`s still hold sacred by many; and symbolise the continuity of life and fertility throughout the ages. The mistletoe is sometime a lifesaver for many animals in extreme conditions, staying green and continues to flower in drought and during winter when few other blossoms are available.

My personal mistletoe tale is in your face living testimony of all this wacky stuff ( for the uninitiated ) because i do have an affinity with the therapeutic powers - NOT of the mistletoe itself, but of the Mistletoe bird/seed dispersal/evolution ... as a small boy setting traps to catch partridges in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica - this tale i cannot tell in the limited space available.

Here in my neck of the rain forest, the mistle thrush or the blackcap warbler ( these are the only names i have to date ) they feed predominantly on the mistletoe berries which is so sticky that when the little birdy has to take a number two: poo, they have to wipe their bum on a branch to extricate themselves thus leaving its " TURD ON THE TWIG " ( that`s how the mistletoe got its name ) ... now, with access to the tree`s water and food suply the seed germinates and grows into a cankerous lump sprouting branches and leaves.

If this branch with what looks like a wart to most people is not cut off the tree`s growth is stunted - the branch dries up and drops off - or worst case scenario the tree dies ... once i cut one of these mistletoe branch off to take a closer look and to my amazement i saw some semblance of a chicken in the formation of the lump: overtime and with a good brand of binoculars i have spotted various mistletoe growth in trees up to 40mt. tall - a climber goes up cut the branches off, and i have interpreted ducks,ostrich and peacocks ......

... Hence the birth of the Mistletoe organic art form ... courtesy of a little birdie cleaning his/her bum on a branch.

Now, for the true mistletoe fans, hold your horses:

I can hear you thinking " what about the mistletoes " firstly its not the kissy type and my preference is to work with the dry dead branches because they are matured and for other reasons ... when i do happen to cut a green mistletoe branch off i do feel i`m doing my tiny bit to help at least one tree in my part of the rainforest by giving it a new lease of life and the QUIRKY chicken, duck, ostrich or peacock brings joy and happiness to a child or an adult.

............ smokey joe - rainforest chickens limited edition