Thursday, August 25, 2011

A Gift

When I first got the bees I thought I would observe how they relate to the larger environmental issue of colony collapse syndrome: a worldwide phenomena of disappearing hives.  I knew it was related to the effects of pesticides, mono agriculture, climate changes and disease.  I knew bees were critical for the pollination of our food and generally indicative of the health of the planet.  What I wasn't prepared for was the profound effect studying the life in the hives would have on me.  Watching how they worked together, almost as a single mind, with such order and purpose, was mesmerizing and emotional for me.  Somehow, I felt they had the secret to how we all should live and relate to our surroundings.  This is why I named the piece nousbee. Any of you had a similar experience?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Nousbee?

The name of the installation, nousbee,  refers to the wisdom and order of the bee colony and how it's an analogy for humans and our connection with the planet.

Nous (nous) /'nu:s/

intellect or intelligence
true or real
intuition

The principle of the cosmic mind or soul responsible for the rational order of the cosmos.

An intelligent purposive principle of the world.

Nous: French for we.

Entre nous- between us.




Close Up Work

Separating the Bees from the Camera