Last 3600 seconds of wasp is a mesmerising art film by Zatorski and Zatorski, in which the dying minutes of a wasp's life are portrayed with a Philip Glass soundtrack. We saw it at a Big Chill festival a few years back and it was probably the best thing at the festival that year for me.
This week I have been observing a few of these little creatures slowly shaking off their mortal coils as the seasonal changes continue. They seem to favour our solarium for their resting place.
Call me odd if you want (I know it) but I have a little collection of dead critters to which these will be added. A few years back a lot of my paintings featured insects, and sometimes a dead wasp made its way into the composition. When I had Beth and I stopped painting, looking back on my work I realised that much of my work was about death and decay; dead insects, decaying buildings, rotten fruit. It all seemed a bit morbid, especially after this beautiful little life spirit entered my life, and it was all about beginnings and new life. I am resolved to lighten up. But I still find dying wasps fascinating, sorry.
Boo is aware of my making of an exception for wasps in our 'we do not kill things' mantra. I don't remember ever being stung by one, but I see red when they are in close proximity, especially when they come near my daughter. So I have to admit to a slight thrill that their kind is expiring, especially if I get to watch.
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