The New Earthwork - Insect rice bowl

The Insect Rice Bowl is a mixed-media sculpture exploring eco-consciousness and humanity's impact on nature. Inspired by conservation efforts at The Strong Museum’s butterfly garden and Kelly’s Farm, the piece examines the exploitation of natural resources, particularly the decline of pollinators like the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee.

The sculpture takes the form of a traditional rice bowl woven from found branches, filled with wildflowers, acorns, and weeds to symbolize sustenance. At its center lies a bee crafted from natural materials, highlighting its role in biodiversity and food security. The piece is set against a maroon placemat with golden utensils, creating a stark contrast between human luxury and environmental fragility. This work aims to provoke reflection on human consumption, the destruction of ecosystems, and the responsibility we hold in preserving nature.