Black Jack: Daphne

Found Object Assemblage: Clay, Metal, Wood, Paint | 31" x 18" x 10"

The Story:

Daphne and Apollo

Origin: Greek

Oklahoma Correlation: Black Jack Oak

Apollo the god of light and poetry encountered Eros (aka Cupid) and taunted him. Apollo claimed he was mightier with the bow and arrow and that Eros should leave dangerous weapons to the gods. In an act of revenge, Eros shot a sharp gold-tipped arrow into Apollo. Apollo was immediately seized with love for Daphne, a beautiful nymph. She was the daughter of the river god, Peneus and the goddess of the earth, Gaea. Meanwhile, Eros shot a blunt lead-tipped arrow into Daphne, which created a deep aversion for love within her. Apollo began to pursue Daphne. His persistence annoyed her, and she sought day and night to escape him. In exasperation she went to her mother Gaea to plead for help. Gaea agreed, casting a spell on Daphne. As Apollo reached to grasp her, Daphne turned into a laurel tree. Heartbroken, Apollo made the laurel the emblem of tribute to poets. The significance of the laurel leaf lived on in Roman culture where it was appropriated and used as a symbol of victory. Its leaves, symbols of immortality, purification, prosperity and health were made into wreaths and worn on the heads of the gods and emperors.

- Sunni Mercer