great find: Esther Traugot

Esther Traugot, Bee 2009

bee, thread; 1/2in x 5ft
I really dig Esther's work; I suggest reading her statement. This bee piece is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I want all insects to wear crochet sweaters.

On a random note, we are currently hosting this huge and semi aggressive hornworm caterpillar on our gardenia plant. We are no stranger to weird bugs here in Miami but this fat little bastard is a new one to me. I would never knit him a tiny outfit but I enjoy seeing him munch and loaf on my balcony. My bf wants to pin him once he morphs into a Sphinx moth but I'd rather just let him go on his way.

mini obsession: nests

Hidenori Mitsue; beehive
oil on cotton, 90x80cm, 2007
Craig Kucia
if you look too deeply everything brakes your heart, 2003
Oil, acrylic, and graphite on Canvas;60 x 60 inches

I have been recently obsessing over finding the perfect bee's or hornet's nest lately. While reasonable people are watching Pamela Love jewelery or Rick Owens Jackets, I'm hunting for some decorative organic nonsense. I don't remember what triggered this fascination but I just can't wait till i get my hands on one. I'll most likely want to puke when it actually arrives though. I had the same reaction when my jungle nymph bug came in the mail-- I couldn't even look at the box all afternoon. Anyways, pending willies or not I'm bidding on these two hornet's nest this week:

I promise you guys my apartment wont look like hornetboy1970's.

*update: I was outbid!

I <3 you honey

Ever since my bf introduced me to Judi Harvest's work I've been obsessing about owning one of her Colony Collapse Disorder hive pieces.

It seems like CCD is something that has been occupying a lot of people's minds. I've come across some really interesting Bee themed treasures lately.

Giant Japanese Hornet Honey via edible

The Giant Japanese Hornet is the largest species of wasp in the world, and it contains special enzymes in its body which are reputed to increase strength and energy levels. Giant Japanese Hornets have one of the most incredible stamina’s of any living creature and this stamina can be temporarily passed into the system of those who consume it.

The Abandoned Comb Amulet via black sheep & prodigal sons

The necklace is a bittersweet collaboration with nature: a honeycomb pendant sculpted by bees, crafted of solid 18 karat gold and captured in honey. A choice must be made to forcefully exhume the honey-drenched gold, violently shattering and consuming its casing, or to recognize value in its current form, nurturing a natural deterioration and the gradual revelation of treasure within.

Nature Series, organic bee & hive, pearl, gold leaf, resin and copper broach; ArtByWinona

Also check out A NEW HIVE-art to save the disappearing honeybee