The human species is referred to as an intelligent one, but what about animals? I looked up the definition of ‘intelligence’ and it is an umbrella term used to describe a property of the mind that involves many related abilities, such as the capacities to reason, to plan, to solve problems, to think abstractly, to comprehend ideas, to use language, and to learn. One usually wouldn’t think of spiders being highly intelligent – but I beg to differ. “Writer’s Block” is inspired by these arachnids and their ability to adapt. Spiders of any size are very quick learners. They build webs near light, where small bugs are attracted at night. Most spiders avoid well traveled areas to keep their webs from getting broken. Even if webs do become torn, one can see their minds at work. My mother, having to tend to some of our animals at night, walks through many spider webs by accident. Since she walks the same path every night, the spiders have learned to build above or beside her path. Some have even been seen building their webs with three dimensions and angles to go around her as she walks. It’s the spider’s ability to learn and adapt so quickly that makes them amazing, if not a little scary to most. Next time you see a spider’s web, admire it and the tiny creature that can overcome any writer’s block.

***This artwork won honorable mention in the Artist's Magazine 2009 Annual Competition!!!***

“Writer’s Block” 18x24” canvas. Acrylic. © Cara Bevan ‘08

Time: 31 hours, 20 minutes