Chain Skeeto: A Fusion of Biology and Machinery

 

As someone who works as a mechanic and service writer, I tend to see the world through a mechanical lens. Everything, from a complex engine to biological systems, operates as a kind of mechanism—something that can be examined, diagnosed, repaired, or restored. That perspective often finds its way into my artwork, where I blend mechanical and organic forms into something new.

Chain Skeeto is a great example of that fusion. I’ve always had an affinity for old-school, rugged mechanical designs—big, clunky parts that might not have the finesse of modern engineering but stand the test of time. Think of an old tractor: something built so robustly that you could dig it out of the ground, fuel it up, and get it running again. That kind of design philosophy—the raw, utilitarian nature of older machinery—really inspires me, and I often reflect that in my work.

The concept for Chain Skeeto was there from the beginning: a mosquito with a chainsaw for a face. But as with most of my pieces, the final result evolved as I worked on it. My process starts with gathering photo references and compositing ideas together, then figuring out what fits both visually and within my ability to execute. I tend to change things dramatically throughout the process, so while the core idea stays intact, the composition shifts organically over time.

A big part of finishing this piece was learning how to properly photograph and digitally archive it. Many of my physical works use ballpoint pens, often with metallic inks. These inks reflect light in tricky ways, making them difficult to capture accurately in a photo. This is where AI has been useful—not to generate art, but to help me learn new techniques for photographing and enhancing my work digitally. I don’t use AI to create, but I do use it as a tool for improving my own craft and expanding my skill set.

I've been asked in the past if I would ever redo a work or revisit it after finishing it. The answer is that while I do make plenty of changes throughout the creative process, once I decide a piece is done, I generally leave it as is. I don’t find much enjoyment in repeating the same thing—whether it’s a piece of art, a movie, or a book. My focus is always on moving forward, exploring new ideas, and refining my skills. That said, if I ever feel that my abilities have grown to the point where I could do a piece far greater justice, I might consider reinterpreting it. But for now, Chain Skeeto stands as it is, and I’m happy with that.

If you’d like to see Chain Skeeto in more detail (along with several other pieces), you can check it out on my Redbubble store here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Ocdthreepio/shop?asc=u

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