Paula Wenzl-Bellacera is aesthetically inspired by the day-to-day world in which we live. She often reflects on the uncommon beauty of ordinary subjects. Having observed both cactus and succulents in her personal garden, she was drawn to the mystery and primitive aspects of these plants. As a meditative study "The Mystery of Cacti" a new body of work was created in which their translucent water-filled paddles are accented with the fractal patterns of sharp needles surrounded by a highly pigmented areola, which provide a startling visual contrast. Our planet depends on both the qualities of attraction and defense to survive. The artist challenges the viewer to see the cacti as a sensuous visual metaphor.