The FlightPath series was inspired by a large nest in my loft and the way the light cast shadows across their bodies.
Initially it was about observational drawing, understanding how the wasp differed from other flying insects and what features were important in recognising it as a wasp.
The grid reflects the social structure within a wasp nest. Each female worker knows it's place and is rigidly controlled by pheromones released by the Queen. As the nest matures, new drones (males) and queens are born and the current Queen begins to die. At this stage the workers are no longer fed sugars by the larvae and have have less work to keep them occupied. They become like naughty teenagers - getting drunk on sugars and carbohydrates from our summer picnics.
I began to realise the negative response triggered by these exquisite and useful creatures.
- Framed: 27 x 27 x 2 cm
- Subject Matter: Wasps
- Collections: 10. FlightPath