In a previous post, I mentioned that I spent my Christmas vacation photographing a dead cockroach I found on my doorstep. If you missed that post, you can catch up here.
My goal was simple (and slightly questionable): transform a repulsive creature into a work of art.
I carefully brought the cockroach inside, quietly questioning my sanity along the way. I placed it on a special surface—one I fully intended to throw away once the shoot was over. After taking countless photos, I felt confident I had the shot. Everything was promptly tossed… except the cockroach. I “saved” it by placing it outside in a safe spot. You know—just in case a second photo shoot was needed.
The next day, inspiration struck again. Back inside came the cockroach, and the photography resumed. Once again, everything was thrown away, and once again, the cockroach was gently returned to its safe outdoor location. Just in case.
The real magic, I discovered, was converting the image to black and white and cropping it carefully—so the viewer isn’t entirely sure what they’re looking at. After two days of photographing this unlikely muse, my hope was that the final image had become something more than a face only a mother could love.
I printed the photograph on special metallic paper and submitted it to Absolutely Abstract. While it wasn’t a juried exhibition, I did briefly wonder if I might get banned for objectionable artwork. I certainly didn’t expect any recognition.
And then… I won an Honorable Mention and $100.
Thank you to Shawn Saumell for truly seeing the beauty in my artwork. This experience meant a great deal to me. It allowed me to showcase my new role with Home Run Pest & Termite Control while also sharing my love for the Visual Art League of Lewisville, art, and creativity.
The lesson? We wear many hats in life—and they don’t have to stay neatly separated. We’re dynamic individuals, and meaningful relationships can be built on more than just one role. Discovering how many people in business are also artists has led to exciting conversations and unexpected connections. It’s also opened doors to helping businesses see creative marketing possibilities they may never have considered. It makes for some great reactions when I share my story in a room full of strangers in a chamber meeting!
Sometimes, even a cockroach can teach you something valuable.
Artwork Title: Grace in Disguise
Artist Statement: At the intersection of despair and hope I found a cockroach—a symbol of repulsion and rejection, yet also of survival and adaptation.
Judge’s Commentary:
“Upon first glance of this photograph from a distance, it read as thorny twigs or vines. Upon closer inspection and reading the description, I saw it differently and had a different understanding. The careful cropping, selective focus and shallow depth of field, bring abstraction from grotesque.” – Shawn Saumell
Artwork is available for purchase.
Some stories belong on the page. Others are meant to be shared in person. This artwork holds both. Let’s meet for coffee (or a cookie!), and I’ll share.
Assorted Press Releases:
Wylie Chamber of Commerce
big bertha's adventures 