Scrapie - Snippets, Mini Collage
By gossamergypsy
Scrapie is part six in a series of mini collages. The concept was inspired after reading The Family That Couldn’t Sleep, a book based on prions.
The meek shall suffer damnation on earth, but shall rise up to enlightenment. Many arguments have been voiced regarding the rise of prions (rogue proteins that become destructive within the body).
One in particular argument involved the belief that man was attempting to play God by tampering with what was already created – A.K.A. breeding techniques. In the process of encouraging the “best” characteristics in animals, genetic abnormalities became more apparent.
Farmers noticed sheep that were enhanced by breeding techniques developed a strange “disease” that would cause the live stock to itch with no relief, become tipsy, and eventually die. This manifestation is known by many names, but many individuals know it as Scrapie.
Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.5cm
Medium: Magazine Clippings, Gel Medium, Liquid Acrylic, Acrylic Paint, Sharpies
20080405 8:34 am
Prions are intriguing, as a curiously evolved aspect of biology. They are also scary, as a disease that is frighteningly difficult to treat.
I like your depiction of Scrapie, which should probably be called “Mad Sheep Disease”