Hello creative family, I have big news. The third piece of my ongoing series of liquid butterflies is complete! Featuring the vibrant purple Sasakia Charonda, or more commonly known as a the Purple Emperor Butterfly.
About The Purple Emperor Butterfly
I’ve actually wanted to illustrate and paint a purple butterfly since I completed the liquid Morpho last summer. I was having a difficult time deciding on a species to feature. We do have the Black Swallowtail, or the red spotted purple butterfly but they’re not predominantly purple.
I wanted something that could compete with the pieces I already completed. The Monarch, and the Morpho are both quite bold.
Fast forward a few months and Animal Crossing New Horizons launched. I spent far too much time playing and I don’t regret a minute of it. Thats where I was first introduced to the Purple Emperor. How unlikely right?
Thats where the research began, and I want to share some of my favourite facts about this species.
The Purple Emperor belongs to the same family of butterfly as the Monarch. Which means they’re both in the Nymphalidae family of butterflies.
You might also find it humorous to learn that one of this butterflies primary sources of food is poop. I love that some cheeky entomologist thought let’s name this one emperor because it eats shit. I love it. Makes me smile every time I tell this random bit of information.
So this butterfly is common in Japan, parts of China, Tiawan, Vietnam, and the Korean Peninsula. There have been recent reports of this butterfly as far west as England. It’s thought to be a result of deforestation and loss of habitat, as of today, they’re not on the endangered species list.
Hopefully I’ll get to see one in person one day!
The Meaning Behind This Piece
Like the other liquid butterfly pieces. This painting represents a thought. How when we focus on a thought it holds shape, but regardless how hard we try it’s never quite solid. Hence the liquid bits.
The species of butterfly is literally named Emperor, and purple represents wealth. For me this piece is a thought of affirmation and wealth.
Say it with me! I do not chase I attract. Everything I want simply finds me.
We deserve to find comfort. We deserve to find happiness.
Lets Talk About The Original
I want to be honest with you guys. So because the original is going into an exhibition. It will be exclusively available for sale during the event. If it doesn’t sell then it will become available to the public after the show.
Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Prints
Are available! There are only 10 signed and numbered limited edition Giclee prints available with this run.
Thats basically everything I have for the moment. I’m proud of this piece. I can’t wait to see this piece up on a gallery wall, and I really hope to see some of you at the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival.
Don’t forget to preorder. It will help me out so much!
Stay Creative,
Justin Erickson
