ReVision 118: Beginnings & Bees

Dear Laura,

I hope this finds you well.  I have been thinking about you a lot as you spend time with your family.

I got busy in my studio yesterday after being inspired by the Louie Swartzberg video about pollination. Honey bees are something that is a point of conversation often in my house.  My husband wants a bee hive in the backyard, but I am not sure we have the space in our bowling alley size lot.  However, I do want one.  There is a beehive at my work and at my son's school for educational purposes through a fantastic organization Bee Cause.  I have been wanting to learn more about it and become more involved so this is great timing Laura! I have been including insects in my studio work lately so this is right in tune with my studio thoughts.

Yesterday morning I worked in my sketchbook first while I listened and watched the documentary Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us

I like the metaphor of the honey bee- community-minded, hard-worker, harmonious living, contributing to the greater good of the land, protector of the home and life they work for.

Originally I thought I was going to create a graphite drawing similar to ReVision 116, but I decided to explore soft-cut linoleum printmaking (which I will also be teaching in the coming weeks).  I now have access to a large printing press at work so this small plate is working up to some larger ideas I have stirring.  I want to create mixed media papers to print on, but more on that after I explore a bit in my studio.

Here are some process shots of carving the plate....

 I am going to continue carving details in the bee and create some test prints this week.  I will write more once I start this next step, but just wanted to fill you in on what I have been learning.OH- and I found this book on my shelf titled "Honeybee" by Naoimi Shihab Nye.  She is one of my favorite poets.  I will be reading a poem a day this week.  Thanks for the inspiration!