Nature Machine

With curves a sports car would be jealous of, this organic machine amazed me. Sharp grabbing teeth fit in front, pronged molars in the back, each fit snuggly into bony sockets. The lower jaws arched as if drawn by a draftsman.  The rounded skull, probably of a raccoon, was at once dangerous, beautiful and kind of cute.

When cleaning, I noticed the edge of a tin tray on top of my kitchen cabinet. I drew back in disgust when I saw the contents.  A dirty animal skull with bits of hair still stuck to it. An internet search turned up the Alaska Department of Fish & Game instructions for cleaning a skull. After boiling it, the leftover dirt and hair scrubbed off with a toothbrush.

Cartilage that held the skull together disintegrated in the pot. While reassembling it, I admired the complexity and efficiency of the construction. Nothing wasted. Each notch and groove had a purpose. The elegance born of function made an inspiring drawing subject. Getting to know each ridge and valley, put me in touch with the hungers and satisfaction of the creature.