carved *stone*

[distaff]

Been wondering about carving a rock background that didn't look painfully fake, or just oppressive. Lately, I find the NM caves carved by Ra Paulette inspiring. I may never do this, but I've been playing around with the idea of making a snake terrarium with a carved foam background incorporating the organic and soaring qualities of this man's work.

I'm envisioning a large glass enclosure (preferably with rounded corners??...yeah, that shouldn't be too expensive nor hard to find.). I would spray foam background around all four sides, but leave tall narrow archway windows for peering in. Maybe build out a corner for a spot lit skylight, and a basking area below? I would add a matching foam build-out on the exterior of the tank in order to maintain the flowing sculpture. All of this would be bone white, including, basically, the news print substrate (can't think of anything else aesthetically compatible right now). I would carve my own motifs (and sparingly), but I do like Paulette's leafy, flowery, wavy themes. The hides could be built into the *mass* of the sculpture. The planted part would be done in a specially made tray, shaped to compliment the irregular shape of the floor space. I would probably make the tray with feet tall enough for the snake to use the space underneath. The planting would be uncomplicated, maybe just moss, and a few broad leafed specimens. Perhaps parts of the sculpture itself would lend themselves to climbing.

I don't see a BP in this, something smaller, and more long and slender. (Lampropeltis getula splendida might show off well...)
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Hope the description above is in some way envisionable.
If you aren't familiar with Ra Paulette, a quick Google Images will give you some of the best photos.
There are also a couple of videos out there on the caves.
Enjoy.

[gameonpython]

Sounds pretty sweet, just make sure you have easy access for cleaning.


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[distaff]

Oh, it is pretty much conceptual (and I hate filth!). The thing I find helpful is, if you build out Versailles in your mind, then you can take the key elements that work, and go with those. What I found liberating about Paulette's caves was that the organic forms don't have to look "naturalistic" to be beautiful.

Exoterra and others make faux rock ledges and planters that stick to the side of the cage (clip with sticky on glass, or strong magnets, and rated for a pound). I love the idea of elevated plants in these, but don't like the faux rock look. These would be very pretty against the clear glass in more free-form off-white sculptures.