The story behind the artwork

For the past 20-30 years the honey bee population has been dwindling due to an unidentified disease affecting the immune system of honey bees. One plan to combat the disease is to breed a new species of super-bee that is resistant. African bees are highly aggressive, dangerous to human beings, and resistant to the disease. Scientists are trying to genetically breed these bees with our docile honey bees to create a new species that will be resistant to the disease without causing harm to our farmers and general population. African bee colonies already exist is some parts of our country right now, and are known as “killer bees” for a very good reason. They are aggressive and will attack any animal or human that accidently stumbles into their territory. The painting wings is a tribute to the current plight of the honey bee. An animal I have taken for granted in the past, is now in need of my attentions. Without pollination from bees, we could face a world-wide epidemic of vast proportions.

I've used two small canvases for wings. The bee's head is abstracted, as are the wings, but they are unmistakably those of a honey bee. I remember finding a large bee resting on the trail of the Milford Track in New Zealand. It was completely undisturbed as I photographed it. I thought of how tired it must be. I've textured the body with a thicker than usual treatment of paint to give the effect of its hairs. There are small lumps of pollen resting on its body, a detail I love from my reference photographs. In contrast, its wings are finished with a gloss varnish.

wings
acrylic on canvas
2 @ 8x8x1"

Additional Links:

National Geographic's report on decreasing bee popluations.

Science Daily articles explaining Colony Collapse Disorder (CCC).