Cabinet of Natural Curiosities

Observations

Observe, Hive, Waiting

In a dream, dead bees were wrapped up in a towel and given to me. When I opened the gift, the bees were almost dust. The bee is a symbol of the potency of nature, it is life itself, creating hone, pollinating flowers, following an ordered existence. We all live in cycles of change and this work is a metaphor for my transitioning.

Bees and Bugs at UBC The Spencer Entomological Collection

I went to UBC this week to check out the bees at the Spencer Entomological Collection.                     

It is a quiet room tucked away on the 4th floor of the Bio Sciences building on the Main Mall. Of course I didn't follow directions and walked up the only staircase where you couldn't access the east wing.  I spent the afternoon with the bees and bugs which are all pinned to boards inside glass topped wooden speciman cases. 

 

I thought I might feel squeamish, but the beauty of (some) of them is overwhelming.  I could stay there for days, happily photographing the sacrificed creatures. They are labeled with the place, date and person who collected them. 

Here are some of my favourites

There is a large collection which was donated called the Hook Collection, they were collected in the early part of the last century so were all glued to the card.  I have to go back and shoot more of these.

Then there were the ones in jars which I hardly had a chance to glance at. But took a quick reference shot.

My first post

death of the bees - sketch

flight of the bees - sketch

New work underway, so far the series is untitled, this blog will hopefully help me find my way with the progress of it.  I haven't done a 'serious' (non-commercial) (gallery oriented) series of work since 2 years following my MA. That's 1994, the auspicious year of the birth of my first beautiful daughter, Anna Marie. I'm both excited and fearful - don't analyze! 

I welcome responses and feedback from fellow artists, friends and strangers. I welcome links to sites unknown and inspiring. I will post those that I find mysterious or notable.