My Secret Life of Bees

I found inspiration in 

this wonderful book

by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees

I read it a few years ago and I won't write any book reviews,

but I enjoyed it very much.

It's one of those books I was told for years that I should read.

Finally I did!

As with any good read,

somehow something bubbles to the surface

in my psyche.

Before I knew it,

I had a symbol~

The bee.

I began to play with the bee in clay.

This is what I created~

Fragments, made to look old and cherished.

I told a fellow artist friend...

I don't really know why I am making these

or 

what I am going to do with them?

She gave me great advice (as she always does)~

"Just keep going with it."

So, I continued and as any artist will tell you~

eventually it comes back around.

I began to create necklaces and these fragmented pieces

became the focal point.

Using twine,

various beads, and sometimes wire

I have taken this symbol

and created something from nothing.

A joy when I get to use my jewelry background

with my own ceramic creations.

What does the bee symbolize for me?

Strength, curiosity, courage and unwavering faith in your God -given abilities.

Other pieces...

A small bowl

The glaze collected inside the bees

and it gives them a few specks of white in the blue.

A very small piece~

More of a glaze experiment than functional pottery.

The bee I use to share my inspiration.

More bees will be coming, but now you know where this inspiration took me.

Necklaces will be going to my etsy shop.

Thank you Pam for finally pushing me to read it and share your copy

and Marsha for giving great advice!

finding strength to create, courage to share and settled curiosity

while continuing to believe in my God-given abilities

on this artist holiday,

hannah