In Memory of HRH Elizabeth II

Queen of the Bees

Meaning-Making and Magical Realism

Research is one of my favorite endeavors. I have folders, binders, notes, envelopes, and boxes filled with information gathered through the years. Much of the research includes photographs, magazine clips, newspaper articles, guides, and pamphlets that, aside from giving me resource material, also provides collage fodder. In the present, with the addition of the internet, information and images aren’t far from reach.

I have followed the Royal Family all my life. Queen Elizabeth was the only Queen I recognized over my entire life. Even though I live in the United States, Elizabeth was THE Queen to me. I admired her stamina, strength, and profound sense of service to her commonwealth. She exemplified the archetype of the Queen, one of the seven major feminine archetypes in Western society.

The contents of a woman’s purse is very personal. There are certain special things we would not leave our house without. Queen Elizabeth carried a handbag wherever she went, including walking the halls of the palace She met with heads of state, kings, presidents, and many others with her purse by her side. Why? Aside from her essentials (like mints and chocolate), Queen Elizabeth used her purse to signal her staff. She always carried an under-table purse hook which she always used, even at formal dinners. But, when she moved her purse to the table, it was a signal that it was time to cut the evening short.

I did take some artist’s prerogative in the Queen’s purse content to create a magical feel to the collage. Although the eyeglasses (without the embedded eyes) were certainly a mandatory part of the contents, many of the other items were symbolical.

The most magical object in the collage (aside from the Queen), is the bumble BEE resting on a pearl. Did you find it? The tradition of telling the bees of the passing of their owner is a centuries old custom and was followed after the death of the Queen.

My research serves to widen my magical world and imagination. Making meaning in my art is very important to my work. Telling stories, revealing unknown information, and providing thought-provoking ideas is part of my artmaking process. In my world, keeping memories in my purse, carrying the souls of those who have passed tucked away in my heart, and communicating with the bees, the birds, and nature is my magical reality.

Thanks for visiting!

Many Blessings,

Queen of the Bees

The Power of THE GAZE

A Dream. A Collage. A Memory. Collage Magic!