Voodoo on the Bayou

The Louisiana bayou is a mysterious place.  This brackish marshland located around the Gulf Coast of Southern United States is home to alligators and the Bald Cypress.  Traditionally associated with New Orleans Cajun and Voodoo culture, there’s an uneasy stillness surrounding these dark waters.

Countless hungry alligators quietly floats in this emerald green swamp.  Striving in this habitat are tall swamp Cypress trees.  Parts of the cypress, seemingly broken off with sharp points are the “knee” of the tree.  The jagged knees populates the base of these sinister twisted trees.  Huge swaths of gray Spanish moss drape over as canopy.

Along the banks of the bayou are small swamp shacks.  Most are abandoned and decrepit wood structures with rusted corrugate metal roofs.  Legends surrounding the bayou and its early Cajun inhabitants are numerous.  New Orleans Voodoo is part of the culture and we find two women here focused on their ritual.  Under the candlelight, they decorate the shack with totems like skulls, dolls, and snakes.  Perhaps they can connect with the spirit of Marie Laveau tonight?

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities.  My inspiration came from watching videos of swamp tours and Bayou Voodoo parties (apparently quite a popular theme!)  But my knowledge of Voodoo is limited to general impressions and recently rewatching Disney’s “Princess and the Frog.”   I like that this project looks a bit spooky and different.  My favorite part was building the swamp around the alligator to make it seem half submerged.

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