What is this??

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 5:56 pm

WTF??

It's a simple photo...here is another, in normal surroundings :

What is this?? 2

by Syl Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:02 pm

It looks like something ants or other insects could have constructed.

If it's man made art it will probably sell for millions. Razz

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:08 pm

Bingo...it's ant nests turned inside out.

http://cdn.funnyand.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2.jpg

When this artist poured molten metal into an ant hill, no one could have guessed the outcome. To someone passing by, it looked like someone trying to destroy the colony; however, what the man dug up later was a stunning work of art.

You won’t believe what was buried in the sand. It’s simply magical.

What is this?? Molten-Metal-lead-1024x560

What is this?? Molten-Metal-lead-1024x560

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:10 pm

The process of pouring molten metal into an ant colony first gained exposure from a video that was uploaded in 2003 to YouTube and subsequently went viral. The footage began revealing some close-ups of an enormous ant hill. However, things take a very strange turn quickly.

What is this?? 3

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:12 pm

After sizing up the nest, the unnamed man begins to molten aluminum into the ant colony. As the liquid penetrates the nest, sparks fly and steam begins to seep up through the sand.

What could this person possibly be doing?

What is this?? Steaming-ant-hill-1024x558

What is this?? Steaming-ant-hill-1024x558

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:17 pm

As the molten liquid works its way down into the ant hill, the mound begins to move and come to life. It hisses and gargles, the thick hot liquid metal settling into its final resting place. As the steam continues to rise, the mound heaves one final time before finally going still.

What is this?? Digging-out-ant-hill-1024x562

What is this?? Digging-out-ant-hill-1024x562

After the ant colony cooled, the man begins to scoop away the top layer of dirt. He then proceeds to dig around the structure, causing the nest to collapse completely. Once he freed the structure, he was able to pull the metal-filled nest out of its hole.

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:22 pm

The next step taken was using a hose to wash away the dirt. Using a powerful jet of water, the man makes sure that no nook or cranny is left untouched…and what’s left is absolutely amazing.

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:24 pm

Can you believe your eyes? The man who had uploaded the video was known as “Ant hill Art” and his business was casting ant hills in aluminum. The entire process creates these stunning pieces, that show off how amazingly intricate ant colonies are.

What is this?? Finished-ant-art-1024x566

What is this?? Finished-ant-art-1024x566

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:27 pm

According to experts, ants live in very complex structures underground. These nests are made up of a detailed network of tunnels that burrow many levels deep into the ground. Every ant in the colony has a role to play and they spend their time maintaining every single chamber in the nest.

What is this?? Ant-hill-art

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:29 pm

As the molten aluminum works its way through the ant colony, it fills every single tunnel and chamber. Once the metal has cooled, the artist has an exact replica of the ant hill. Due to the accuracy of these casts, some are actually used for educational purposes.

What is this?? Mounted-Ant-hill

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:30 pm

Many people may think that ant hills are small, but that could be further from the truth. What you see above ground is just a small piece of the entire structure. The “foyer” if you will. The cast of the ant hill featured in the 2003 video was actually 18 pounds and nearly 18 inches in height. Amazing, right?

by nicko Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:31 pm

Bastard should be fined for cruelty to animals,

BURNT TO DEATH WITH HOT METAL !

by nicko Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:31 pm

PS, Ants have feelings too !

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:33 pm

The ant hill featured in the video blew everyone who viewed it away. In only a few short months, the video had been viewed over 7 million times. Today, over 94 million people have viewed this unique artist and his spectacular craft.

What is this?? Ant-hill-chambers

While many people loved the art that was being put on display, several were very vocal in criticizing Anthill Hill Art’s methods. Some believed it was cruel to pour the molten metal into an active ant nest, which would kill them in such a horrific way.

What is this?? Ant-Cast

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:36 pm

One very upset viewer had this to say about the video, “Your video and art made me first sick to my stomach and then made me so angry. How can you call yourself an artist? Is murder an art?”

What is this?? Molten-metal-1024x567

Of course, one comment wasn’t enough for this disgruntled viewer, who continued on their tirade. “You think so, obviously. Guess you never grew out of your childish need to kill animals, insects and who knows what else, in order to feel powerful. These are innocent creatures with amazing colonies which took them who knows how long to build.”

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:38 pm

What is this?? Ant-colony-casting-1024x571

Many other viewers seemed to agree with the sentiment that what the artist was doing was cruel and simply inhumane. Despite the fact they were simply ants, they were still living creatures who were being killed in the name of “art.”
Do you agree with the critics? Should he be aware of all the lives he is snuffing out in a swoosh of molten aluminum?

With the comments and criticism beginning to build up, the artist decided he finally had to speak up on the issue. He claimed that the nests he used for his artwork were of a nasty breed of fire ant, and the bites could be brutal. Due to these painful bites, the authorities were actually trying to wipe out the insects. In his opinion, he was doing his part.

What is this?? Fire_ant_mound_16371103174-768x1029

What is this?? Fire_ant_mound_16371103174-768x1029

by Syl Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:39 pm

Hmmm...the end result is amazing but it IS cruel to the ants. Crying or Very sad

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:46 pm

Syl wrote:Hmmm...the end result is amazing but it IS cruel to the ants.

I kinda agree with that, but here we hire people to get rid of these ants...particularly the dangerous one, such as we had in Arizona.

What do we think those ant-removers are doing, relocating them? Building condos for them? No, they are killing them and destroying their nests...precisely what this chap is doing.

“I try to find abandoned nests but it doesn’t always work out. Either way, I do it sparingly and the property is still overrun with them,” the artist claimed online.

What is this?? 11147581_1056528541031105_5542130490706273609_n

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:51 pm

Despite his viewer’s criticisms, the artist did find support from Paul Hetherington, a spokesperson for the insect conservation organization Buglife. Paul told the local media that he approved of his art IF the nests were empty because it raises awareness on how amazing ants can be in terms of building colonies. However, if ants are still present in the nest, he stated it was an extremely cruel way to kill them.

What is this?? 21750_1068681939815765_864535616126912516_n

What is this?? 21750_1068681939815765_864535616126912516_n

Despite his vocal critics, Anthill Art is showing no signs of stopping. With over 37,000 followers on Facebook, one can’t deny that his art showcases the incredible beauty of the natural world. Ants certainly are amazing creatures.

by Syl Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:52 pm

I know....I have killed quite a few ants over the last week...and have no work of art to show for it.

It just seems a bit cold blooded though to make money out of destroying a very intricate natural wonder.

by Original Quill Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:53 pm

Syl wrote:It just seems a bit cold blooded though to make money out of destroying a very intricate natural wonder.

Haha...donno how rich he's getting. Artists are known more for their devotion to their art, than getting paid.

What is this?? Ant-1

It seems the negative comments haven’t stopped others from doing the same, some creating things that look out of this world. This ant hill piece looks like something from the moon, yet still resembles a tree of some kind. The flat leaf-like structures could even pass ass some sort of mushroom, don’t you think? P.S. this nest was abandoned prior to creation.

by Syl Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:55 pm

Original Quill wrote:

It seems the negative comments haven’t stopped others from doing the same, some creating things that look out of this world. This ant hill piece looks like something from the moon, yet still resembles a tree of some kind. The flat leaf-like structures could even pass ass some sort of mushroom, don’t you think? P.S. this nest was abandoned prior to creation.

by eddie Wed Jun 13, 2018 9:13 pm

This is one cool thread! Nice one Quill.

by veya_victaous Thu Jun 14, 2018 12:05 am

nicko wrote:Bastard should be fined for cruelty to animals,

BURNT TO DEATH WITH HOT METAL !

Agree.
and the punishment needs to harsh enough to dissuade others for doing the same.

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 2:13 am

The alternatives for getting rid of ants are as follows:

1. Poisons.

2. Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol, dish soap and water.

3. Vacuum up the ants,

4. Kill off the ant trail.

5. Consider using a borax bait made at home.

6. Fumigation (fogging).

But one site cautions:

7. Going for the nest or anthill

A. Locate the nest. If you can find the source, carefully dig/puncture the soil and dump several gallons of boiling water into the nest. That should take care of the entire colony.

B. Try a homemade solution. Mix one part camphor oil with 9 parts denatured alcohol (ethyl alcohol that has a chemical added to stop humans from enjoying it), may be methylated spirits containing poison non-drinking alcohol. Pour over the anthill.

C. Kill the queen. The best way to get rid of ants is to destroy their source: the ant queen. She produces a large number of ants and killing her will exterminate them; if you can, find and kill the queen inside the ant nest. She's rather shy and will hide in the bottom. This method is not recommended, if the ants are aggressive and/or sting.

But cautions:

Going after the nest is the least recommended option––ants have an important place in the ecology of your garden and general ecological health––they destroy a good many garden pests. Removing all ants completely can disturb the delicate balance, let alone deranging the "live and let live" stewardship human beings would do well to live by. However, should ants seek food or take up residence in play areas of your yard or inside your home, you'll need to remove them. Here are some suggested methods.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Ants

by veya_victaous Thu Jun 14, 2018 3:09 am

none of the examples of his art are taken from nests in a Residential structure though, they are all out side.

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 4:22 am

I don't disagree with you veya. As Syl said, if it were solely for money, that would be one thing. It does seem of be anti-natural, and that rubs us the wrong way.

But I can't bring myself to see this as altogether some heinous practice. We do the same thing in other ways, without any moral revulsion. And I have seen desert ants send people to the hospital. It's a natural enemy, as are African honey bees, which are also dispatched without mercy.

I don't know...if we need a reason, it does allow closer study of the creatures. I think that's why we find these models so interesting.

Anyway, I have more photos that I will post tomorrow.

by 'Wolfie Thu Jun 14, 2018 6:38 am

That slimebag making these castings is not an artist...

There is no 'art' involved in his work..

That geranium is nothing more than a usurious nutter, too weak to give the rightful respect due to the natural builders of those nests.

by Vintage Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:20 pm

Artist pffft!. Agree there is no art involved, the art is already done by the ants.

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:45 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:45 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:46 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:51 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:52 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:54 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:55 pm

by Original Quill Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:56 pm

by eddie Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:01 pm

Why is everyone moaning about cruelty to ants? What do you do when they invade your houses? Scoop them all up one by one and return them to the outdoors?

No.

You Fucking poison them, that’s what! Rolling Eyes

by Victorismyhero Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:32 pm

I dont think most folks are actually bothered about the concept of "cruelty as applied to melting ants, after all poisoning is much slower. nor do I think they are bothered about these nest molds as such. I think whats really bugging them, and they havnt properly articulated it, is the UNNECESSARY destruction of nests IN THE WILD, as opposed to those in an urban environment (where they ants pose a nuisance/ danger). Nests of these quite remarkable creatures that pose no threat to human health or welfare should NOT be destroyed if avoidable....and this sort of (mis)use is entirely avoidable

by nicko Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:38 pm

My Cat stalks them, and then smacks them with a Paw !

by Victorismyhero Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:41 pm

my chickens eat em....
think they like spicy food What is this?? 3922118137

by eddie Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:57 pm

Lord Foul wrote:I dont think most folks are actually bothered about the concept of "cruelty as applied to melting ants, after all poisoning is much slower. nor do I think they are bothered about these nest molds as such. I think whats really bugging them, and they havnt properly articulated it, is the UNNECESSARY destruction of nests IN THE WILD, as opposed to those in an urban environment (where they ants pose a nuisance/ danger). Nests of these quite remarkable creatures that pose no threat to human health or welfare should NOT be destroyed if avoidable....and this sort of (mis)use is entirely avoidable

So it’s okay to torture them if they’re annoying you?
Righto.

by Victorismyhero Thu Jun 14, 2018 10:58 pm

is a (very) quick death by molten aluminium any more torture than by slow poisoning.....?

by veya_victaous Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:43 am

eddie wrote:Why is everyone moaning about cruelty to ants? What do you do when they invade your houses? Scoop them all up one by one and return them to the outdoors?

No.

You Fucking poison them, that’s what!

I just leave 'em be as long as they stay out of the kitchen (a deal they seem to adhere to Cool

)

they ensure that termites can't move in and generally keep bug population under control Wink

by Original Quill Fri Jun 15, 2018 3:51 am

Haha...as soon as they find where you keep the sugar, all deals are off.

by 'Wolfie Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:26 pm

eddie wrote:Why is everyone moaning about cruelty to ants? What do you do when they invade your houses? Scoop them all up one by one and return them to the outdoors?

No.

You Fucking poison them, that’s what!

Those ants are only looking for food...

Once the ready & available food supply (i.e. crumbs, spills, sticky brats' fingerprints..) disappears, so do the ants..

If you spray the ants in your house, you're only killing a few workers -- the nest itself isn't touched.

by eddie Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:07 pm

WhoseYourWolfie wrote:
eddie wrote:Why is everyone moaning about cruelty to ants? What do you do when they invade your houses? Scoop them all up one by one and return them to the outdoors?

No.

You Fucking poison them, that’s what!

Those ants are only looking for food...

Once the ready & available food supply (i.e. crumbs, spills, sticky brats' fingerprints..) disappears, so do the ants..

If you spray the ants in your house, you're only killing a few workers -- the nest itself isn't touched.

A lot of people use a powder that the workers take back to the nest so that they may carry the poison back and thereby kill the whole lot of them.

This thread is hypocritical, like all the “oh my god I love animals!” bullshit that people say until you actually start listening to their answers and start asking questions that make them uncomfortable.

by Original Quill Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:44 pm

eddie wrote:A lot of people use a powder that the workers take back to the nest so that they may carry the poison back and thereby kill the whole lot of them.

You make a good point, eddie. In fact, most poisons work by carrying delayed toxins back to the nest. Here is a typical ad, explaining the process:

Do-it-yourself Pest Control wrote:How does Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel Work?
Maxforce Carpenter Ant bait gel with Fipronil uses foraging worker carpenter ants to take it back to hidden, inaccessible nests. This formula is a delayed-action kill.The workers feed on it and share the insecticide with the nest, thus destroying the entire colony, including the queen(s).

https://store.doyourownpestcontrol.com/maxforce-carpenter-ant-bait-gel

by Syl Fri Jun 15, 2018 5:46 pm

I can afford to be disapproving, I don't use any poison I just squash them underfoot. snobby

by eddie Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:26 pm

Original Quill wrote:
eddie wrote:A lot of people use a powder that the workers take back to the nest so that they may carry the poison back and thereby kill the whole lot of them.

You make a good point, eddie. In fact, most poisons work by carrying delayed toxins back to the nest. Here is a typical ad, explaining the process:

Do-it-yourself Pest Control wrote:How does Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel Work?
Maxforce Carpenter Ant bait gel with Fipronil uses foraging worker carpenter ants to take it back to hidden, inaccessible nests. This formula is a delayed-action kill.The workers feed on it and share the insecticide with the nest, thus destroying the entire colony, including the queen(s).

https://store.doyourownpestcontrol.com/maxforce-carpenter-ant-bait-gel

I only ever make good points Quill, all my other posts are normally questions.
Hahahahahahaa

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