“Insects, worms and other small animals that carry out vital functions for life on earth have declined by 45 per cent on average over 35 years, threatening human health, water quality and food supplies…”
-Steve Connor, “Vital invertebrates decline by 45 per cent, study finds,” independent.co.uk, July 2014.
Proposal
Starting the process of my design I researched the form of fairy houses. My plan was to take the outline look of a fairy house. Most fairy houses have a unique abstract look to them. Going off of the idea that these insect hotels will be in nature, I wanted to create a structure that fits in with nature but has a modern twist. After researching the look and form of fairy houses I drew up some different forms on what I imagined my insect hotel to look like. I made my hotel have the form of a fairy house in straight lines. The project is an abstract outline of a fairy house.
Research
The simplest structure for an insect hotel is a wooden box. Different types of insects will prefer different room furnishings. Some materials to put inside an insect hotel are drilled wood, rotting logs, twig, sticks, stems, bamboo canes, straw, dried grass, or rolled up cardboard. Bees, wasps, ground beetles, lady bugs, etc. will be able to check into the insect hotel.
Sketches
I started to sketch up ideas inspired by fairy houses. Keeping my designs natural and whimsical in nature. Experimented with the idea of using a tree trunk and cutting into the stump. But changed my final design to something more abstract with simple lines.
Final Thoughts
Starting out this process of making an insect hotel was a new experience for me as an artist. I have never worked with wood before. The design process was long and everyday it changed. My first design and path was first being inspired by fairy houses. I was going to use the shapes and abstract lines from a fairy house and use it in my insect hotel design. As the process went on I changed it a lot. From the shape of the design and the inspirations from fairy houses, it ended up to be a more modern design. Instead using the abstract lines of a fairy house I decided to manipulate and change the way the wood was put together.
About the Artist
I am currently a sophomore at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, studying art education. Creativity is always in me, in my daily life, I am always wanting to create. Being outside inspires a lot of my creations. Finding about the insect hotel project I was excited to work with nature and make something to be living in nature. The northern woods are my home, constant change in new smells, the falls, the forest, start meshing into a new distant aroma that get me inspired. Trying to find my way as an artist everyday is constantly changing and evolving as I reside in a new city. Living in the city for just a short time has changed my creative vision, I am finding myself taking more risks in my work and adding more modern aspects to my natural designs. My northern roots inspire me to use organic forms in my work. Like getting lost in the woods, there are endless possibilities that guide my thoughts to my creations.