The Bumble Bee

 

The Bumble Bee

Bombus terrestis

Bumbus terrestis or the Bumble Bee was once called the Humble Bee because of it's hum.It's numbers are now declining due to loss of habitat and pesticides.  I made this work in celebration of these busy little creatures which hum in our gardens during the Summer months and in recognition of the loss

of bees worldwide.

 

 

 

 

Bombus terrestis is now on exhibition in the Small Sculpture Award at the Waiheke

Community Art Gallery.  It is made from knitted yarn wire and beads, and will be on view

until 13th April.

 

 

Midnight Collective

all photographs copyright of Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

 

 

 

Kawakawa leaves for the Book of Flowers

Kawakawa leaves for the Book of Flowers

 

 

This small painting is of Kawakawa leaves, sometimes called the New Zealand pepper tree,

it is a native coastal shrub.  This variety is called Macropiper Golden Heart because of the golden splash in the centre of each heart shaped leaf.  

The leaves are often pitted with small holes made by a native looper moth. 

 

 

 

 

Maori custom uses the leaves as a head wreath for tangis (grieving and burial for the dead).  It is also known for it's herbal properties and can be made into a tea or chewed to relieve toothache.

 

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2014
Midnight Collective