From a chomped up garden to craftsmanship inspired by insects

Caterpillars are chomping away on my greenery, stripping my birds nest fern and the salad rocket down to a few tattered stalks.  When I picked the black/brown furry caterpillars off what remained of my garden they curled into tight balls, refusing to unfurl so I could photograph them.   How frustrating!  I gave up waiting for them to be accommodating and tried to get ‘that great macro shot’ anyway.  (And, considering my equipment, an old Canon Powershot  A70 – without any special lenses – and a torch to counteract the sun setting, I thought I managed a reasonably photo anyway).

I am annoyed the caterpillars have been so destructive of my plants, but I am reminded of a quote from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

"Well, I must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies. It seems that they are very beautiful." (Page 34)

Many years ago, I created the above illustration that went with the quote, to remind myself not to get frustrated at creatures (and events) such as my ‘curled-up-garden-destroying caterpillars’, but instead look for the optimistic ‘butterfly’ approach. So, I decided to spend my evening exploring how creatures might have inspired artists and crafts-people.  Below is what I found:

I am not sure Michael Beitz’s undulating dining table was inspired by insects, but it reminds me of a caterpillar or inchworm, and eating a meal at the table would be just as frustrating as photographing my uncooperative, furry little friends.

Flying Katydid designed by Brian Chan, September 2006 - used with permission

Lizard 2 designed by Brian Chan, November 2007 - used with permission

Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliathus) designed by Brian Chan, August 2006 - used with permission

Brian Chan’s beautiful origami - it is extraordinary that such he achieves such detail with just one uncut sheet of paper.

ALMERIA-2 by Michel Halliard - used with permission

SIGMUND-4 by Michel Halliard - used with permission

Dragster by Michel Halliard - used with permission

Michel Halliard's unique ‘beetle-like’ chairs are amazing and despite my having major issues with the materials he has used to create his pieces I find I can still admire his designs and craftsmanship. I just desperately wish he had used fake instead of exotic wildlife to create his pieces.

Homo Faber by Sarah Garzoni, 2006

I also came across the ‘The Endless Swarm’ blog, which is full of creative works including Sarah Garzoni’s ‘Swiss army knife’. Although my interpretation of the piece is different to the artist’s original intention, it appears to me to capture both the fear/danger factor many people have of insects, while also representing the usefulness of insects.

Now, at the end of the evening, I have forgiven my garden chomping caterpillars, been inspired by some amazing artisans and I am looking forward to “being acquainted with butterflies”.  

Six things you (and your child) can learn from “loving butterflies, slugs and all things creepy crawly”

Photo by Aussiegall, Flickr - CC BY 2.0

 
1.  Notice the little things
How often do we stop and appreciate the small things in life; the little steps; the little accomplishments and the finer details. Taking the time to observe creepy crawlies teaches us to be more observant and appreciate how each creature fits into this amazing world. 


2. Appreciate differences
Look at the diverse range of sizes, shapes, colours and habitats of creepy crawlies, even within the one species. It would be so boring if butterflies or beetles were all the same. That they are different makes them exceptional. Perhaps if we learn to be accepting of the differences in the critter world, we will apply this knowledge to each other.


Photo by Robynejay, Flickr - CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

3.  Be inspired
Find artistic inspiration in the colours, patterns and textures of creepy crawlies and their homes. Let them inspire your decorating, writing, doodles or provide a focus for your photography. Check out artists like Jane Davenport, famous for her ladybird photos and Kjell Sandved who spent 24 years finding the alphabet in the patterns of butterfly wings.


Photo: "Walking on Clouds" by Jane Davenport used with permission © 

4.  Discover patience and inner peace
Take 10 minutes out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, be still and just observe. Watch a butterfly flitter from flower to flower. Breathe. Take in the world around you. It’s an amazing place and you will feel so much better for it.


5.  Spend time Bonding
Creepy crawlies are the perfect way to bond with your child. Take them on bug explorations. Photograph (or draw) your shared experience and use the photos to engage in further research, conversation and preserve precious memories. 


Photo by Salimfadhley, Flickr - CC BY-SA 2.0
6.  Face your fears
What are you afraid of? You are so much bigger than any butterfly, slug or creepy crawly. Yes, some can bite, sting and are poisonous. But, most are harmless and it is important not to pass on unfounded fears to your children. Take the time to identify the more common creatures around you and teach your children which ones require expert handling, and which ones are touchable. Many internet sites can assist with species identification, as can your local school or museum.

Slime can be fun … really!

Come on the journey with me.

Follow my blog.

Together we will discover more of what we can learn from “loving butterflies, slugs and all things creepy crawly”

Photo by Swamibu, Flickr - CC BY-NC 2.0