"gopher
snake", 2009
6" x 4.5'
People magazines, glue
wall text
The harmless Pacific Gopher snake is often mistaken for the venomous rattlesnake. The realization can bring both disappointment and/or relief. In my many years of living in Los Angeles, I have never seen a live rattlesnake in nature and yes, I am quite disappointed. My reaction to fame is similar. The media feeds us a mythology for each celebrity just as it does for dangerous animals. Our desire is piqued by curiosity and kept alive by “reports” and “sightings.” Hence, while most seek out that which is elusive and exotic, sadly more often than not, they merely stumble upon mediocrity.
detail of scales
