LORI DUNN SCRATCHBOARD ART
promoting conservation through artistic efforts
Heleionomai
9 x 12
SOLD
In ancient Greek mythology, the Naiads were nymphs of the element of water. Separated into various aquatic groups, the Heleionomai were the Naiads specifically associated with wetlands. The Naiads were not necessarily considered immortal and were generally depicted as graceful women of spellbinding beauty, with snow-white limbs and long silky hair, peering from the water surface. Naiads were said to live and die alongside their water source and the wetland nymphs in particular could be vengeful if angered and cause an individual to become lost in the marshes.
In the real world of aquatic vegetation, the genus Nymphaea, or water lilies, are submerged plants with a rhizomatous root system, floating leaves, and fragrant flowers found in a wide range of colors. They produce berry-like fruits that remain submerged below the surface. They are one of the most spectacular blooming plants in any wetland or pond.
The pollination of these flowers is one of the more enigmatic and fascinating aspects of water lilies. On the first day the bloom opens only the female portions, or stigma, are mature. A viscous liquid pools in the center of the bowl-shaped flower. Pollinating insects such as bees, flies or beetles are trapped in this sticky liquid, washing any pollen on them into the bottom of the fluid where it fertilizes the plant. The bloom then closes at night and on the second day, opens with the anthers (male parts) matured, covered in new pollen, ready to be greeted again by a visiting insect and perpetuating the cycle. Most of the time, the insects are able to crawl out of the sticky liquid, but sometimes, they drown in it.
I spend a great deal of time kayaking through wetlands near my home, marveling at the water lily blooms and their ability to attract insects across wide expanses of water. I find their reproductive strategy uniquely mirrored with the legends of the alluring nature of the Heleionomai. If you are a pollinating insect, beware of the beauty, or you might find yourself trapped in a watery abyss. It was a joy to work on this piece and in the interest of full disclosure there are two Heleionomai naiads, one for each bloom, hidden within the artwork. See if you can find them!
Many thanks to Sandra Blair who provided the photo reference for this piece.
