Meet Katie Hammond
My contribution to the Bee Oracle Project was serendipitous. I was in between projects and looking for something to do when my friend Luna suggested the Bee Oracle Project. My card, the Robber Bee was the only one left to illustrate.
There was an uncertain vacancy around who was creating the image. I immediately related to this theme. While many of the other cards are depictions of a variety of ecstatic bliss, this topic revolves around tactical actions taken by Bees in the natural world. I had to research what this meant and found out the offensive and defensive actions bees will take to ensure the survival of their hives. The image concept arose immediately after. I did have to seek some reference photos to make my bees accurate. The invading bees are shadowed silhouettes that give just enough ominous energy to the image to create the "otherness" an invading bee would appear as to a defensive bee.
As for emotional metaphor I personally see various nuanced layers ranging from compassion for others we perceive as different all the way to total paranoia, touching on jealous protection and envious invasion somewhere between these polarities. I enjoy the tactical defense action the bee on the home turf exhibits.
As for the warlike aspect of the Robber Bee, clearly this survival behaviour plays a role in the natural world. I hope it's an action none of us humans must resort to. I suppose it's a good reminder to think strategically and have awareness of personal and home security!
My website is www.katiegracehammond.com and @katiegracehammond is my instagram if you're interested in seeing paintings, glassworks and other projects.
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