As I begin this amazing mosaic project, I have taken some time to research the octopus. I confess that I discovered a mild fear of their alien, eight-legged form. Those huge eyes! The ever-changing camouflage skin as they lurk in wait! The odd, unexpected movements - and of course, ALL those tentacles!
I knew I needed to understand the octopus better to make a beautiful piece. So last week, I started reading "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery and I now I am hooked. I am only half way through but I decided to name "my" mosaic cephalopod "Athena", in honor of one of the giant Pacific octopuses in this beautiful book (which also taught me that this is the grammatically correct plural form of 'octopus' - who knew?).
Yesterday I spent hours online looking at photos and videos of this amazing, varied and often misunderstood animal. Now I am excited to bring this knowledge to the project and give Athena all the grace, mystery and power I can.
<< Here is my Flipboard Octopus Magazine for all the inspiring images and videos I have been collecting - take a look!