Spectrum Secrets

For this challenge of "Patterns in Nature," I wanted to present those patterns that are outside the range of human vision, but are visible to birds and insects.

Sdixon27, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 

Using batik fabrics, and glow-in-the-dark and neon threads, I managed a "four-for-one" look: under ordinary light, you see orange flowers with pale butterflies on the front, and dark blue flowers outlined in orange with colorful butterflies on the back. Then under black light, both front and back reveal different lines and colors.

Spectrum Secrets, front, under daylight

 

 

Spectrum Secrets, front, under black light.

Spectrum Secrets, reverse, under daylight.

Spectrum Secrets, reverse, under black light.

I should note that the threads and paints I used didn't produce all the color effects I was hoping for, so I gave up on any scientific accuracy and just had fun.  

I enjoyed working on this, and you can read more about the exact materials I used at my home blog, www.textileranger.com .  That is a WordPress blog and it has a great "image compare" feature with a slider, and I think it's a better way to view these pictures, so I hope you drop by!