A Real Smurf Sighting!!!

Check out this authentic replica of what artist Nate Hallinan thinks a real life Smurf would look like. The results are pretty shocking, but extremely cool nonetheless. You can see the full sized pic and an explanation of the piece after the jump.

Here is the explanation from the artist himself:

The Smurf is actually the result of a symbiotic relationship
between two organisms. We believe that Smurfs put their
'embryos' in the button of a developing mushroom. From a
distance, Smurfs seem like they are wearing a hat and pants
but as you can see this is a fallacy. The fungus provides
camouflage and protective epidermal layers for the creature,
while the creature provides nutrients and mobility for the
spreading of spores.

Smurfs are believed to be a hunter gatherer society. As
you can see, this little guy is returning from a successful
venture. It is generally difficult to spot a Smurf; they
are very apprehensive and cunning. Sadly though, it is
rumored that they are hunted for their medicinal properties.
It's hard to determine but it is thought that there are
not many colonies of Smurf left.