ADDER BLADDER by Teddy Hansen

This pieces looks into why Scottish people might make the best snake charmers. Mainly due to the fact they have 3 pipes rather than a usual snake charmers single pipe.

The man has charmed the snake which is looping round into the mans arm as they smile at each other. Although usually a snake charmer would use a cobra the only native snake to Scotland is the adder, showing with the large diamond pattern up its back.

Another reason why they might make good snake charmers is due to their fiery red hair, which is represented by a literal fire on his head. Famously snakes aren’t the biggest fan of fire, so they wouldn’t risk biting a flaming pipe player.

Out from the vase comes a snake with a swans head. This is because the mans is playing the snakes “swan song”, because he retires as an aggressive snake. Behind the bagpipers legs is a white cross with blue background, i.e the Scottish flag.

Mixed media on canvas.

2025