Why honey bees and lavender?
Before I answer that, let me give you a few details about the composition, medium, and my process.
The Composition (if you are on my email list you can skip to the last section)
For this background, I thought about places where I had seen a lot of honeybees. I remembered my aunt had several hives when I was younger. So, I knew I needed a beehive. I didn't just want it sitting in a field. I thought of a once cozy little house just outside of a large group of trees with a little beehive nearby.
Keeping to my earlier work Desolation Without Pollination, the woods and fence were drawn in charcoal to give the appearance of bleak and dying. The little beehive was drawn in ink adding to the gloominess but also giving a sense of permeance, since it was man made.
My little honeybees and beautiful lavender are drawn in colored pencils. The vibrance of the colored pencil reflects the importance of the bees and the flowers in bringing back this lifeless world.
The layers of the collage, as with the others of the series, are meant to bring depth and further showcase the difference between a world with and without pollinators.
Why honeybees and lavender?
My sister planted a lavender plant in my front flower bed years ago and I remember watching the honeybees choosing it over some of my other flowers. I thought the contrast between the purple flowers and yellow bee bodies was so beautiful.
Pairing complementary colors (yellow and purple) in art, help bring out the vibrancy of each color. For this piece I really wanted the flowers and bees to stand out.
I think this piece generates a sense of comfort for the viewer, because I can almost smell the lavender and hear the gentle hum of the bees.
Some fun facts about:
Honeybees:
1. They are not native to North America.
2. They live in colony with one queen and thousands of workers.
3. Honeybees are the most important bee to our agriculture. They help pollinate a third of our fruits and vegetables.
4. Honeybees help pollinate plants that are important carbon sequestering.
Lavender:
1. Lavender is used to help calm and relax us. (if it does irritate your nose)
2. Lavender is edible. It is used in ice cream, baked goods, and many teas.
3.Lavender can survive in full sun and well drained soil.
4. Lavender is a nectar rich flower making it perfect for pollinators.
Check out my other blogs about my Desolation Series.
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