Mixed media: repurposed charity collection bags and milk cartons
About the Work
Honey bees and wild bees pollinate most of our food. In the UK, they contribute much more to the economy than the Royal Family! They also support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. But they are struggling.
Honey production has many bee welfare issues. Many beekeepers have reported colony collapse disorder among their hives. Wild bees are suffering from changes in land use, climate change, and use of pesticides. Several UK species have become extinct.
The “Ghost Bees” symbolise bees that have died, bees that are not. There is hope, though. Using recycled materials shows the possibility of change. And we can all help bees by sowing bee-friendly plants and cutting out the pesticides.
They started life as part of Teignmouth Recycled Art In the Landscape (TRAIL), over the summer holidays. I modelled them after honey bees, developing the pattern from my ongoing Particulart project. This was another collaboration with Cleo Heard of Miss*C’s Graffiti Academy, who helped with knitting and installation.
Who ya gonna call? @Ghostbeesters!!
Make Your Own
Feel free to download the pattern (pdf) and make your own “Ghost Bees”.
Exhibitions/Installations
- “What three words…?”
- Clare’s Open Studio
- “Ghost Bees” in the “Dark Art” exhibition
- “Ghost Bees” at Teignmouth Recycled Art in the Landscape
