The Ants Return—Working Class Heroes or Social Parasites

 

Watching a battalion of ants march through a crack in my bathroom molding I was in awe of their determination and sense of purpose.

What was their plan for today?—Steal my toothpaste and feed the troops, grab a drink, or burrow into a warm, dry nest.

The ants seem to be communicating with each other as their plan unfolded—their collective efforts, a lesson in perseverance. Some ant species have been observed utilizing organizational skills, division of labor, and sophisticated agriculture while harvesting food.

But like humans—ants also exploit the rules. Some ant species are known as social parasites who engage in warfare, take over other colonies, kidnap their neighbor’s pupae and turn them into slaves along with captured workers.

Some humans have also been known to practice social parasitism as they seek elective office, seats on judicial benches and engage in corporate kleptocracy. They have been known to use their status as an opportunity to harvest material benefits and power for themselves, their families and their friends.

This might include former US Presidents who profit from global business networks, current Supreme Court justices who take gifts from wealthy benefactors, and despots throughout the world who subjugate people for territory and profit.

"Vessel #58"—Vestige"  Wood, Flax, Bone, Wasp Nest.   48" x 22" x 6"

(Collection of the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art)

Before you begin to exterminate our “resourceful guests” consider that in some cultures the presence of ants is an omen for spiritual meaning.

In Native American culture ants are seen as symbols of diligence and patience, in African folklore ants are associated with wisdom and ingenuity, and in Chinese culture they bring good luck and wealth.

"Vessel #97—Hitch"   Wood,  22" x 25" x 50" (h)

(from the series, "100 Vessels—Theories of Evolution")

So……Happy spring…..
It’s time to smell the flowers, have a picnic and take note of our
“ant friends” who are just doing their best, like all of us,
to survive and thrive.

Jeff Key—Website:

http://www.jeffmkey.com/

To see more of Jeff Key's artwork:
Sculpturesite Gallery: https://sculpturesite.com/artist/356-jeff-key
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/

A Canary In A Coal Mine—A Peacock In Oakland

 As I walked out the door on this brisk, January morning I thrust my finger into the air to sample the prevailing breeze.

Which way will the wind be blowing as we
embark on this new year—2024?

Will the current slant leeward toward the proverbial canary in a coal mine— or will it shift windward to ruffle the plumage of the enigmatic peacock strutting his stuff on my front lawn.

When Kevin, our adopted pet peacock, arrived in July 2023 and took up residence on our street we thought it was a sign from the Buddha Dharma that maybe understanding, benevolence, and compassion had finally landed in Oakland, California.

Now seven months later—Kevin, our old trusted friend, has come to symbolize even more as he has opened our eyes to what is right in the world—a sense of wonder, dreams of new possibilities, and a catalyst for bringing our community together.

When our neighbors gather at sundown to watch Kevin scamper up his tree and settle into his nest for the night we always toast him and deliver a nest-time benediction, “thank you Kevin for showing us how the simple pleasure of interacting with one nature’s most magnificent creatures can endow us with a much needed moment of joy.”

"Kevin" with  "Vessel #96—Generations"   Wood. 45" x 10" x 14" (h)

"Vessel #77—Bygone"    Wood, 12" x 7" x 9" (h)

As we say farewell to 2023, the Persian (Avestian) Year of the Peacock, 

and move into 2024 I am drawn to the words that 

Emily Dickinson wrote in 1891 about our avian soothsayers— 

“Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops - at all.”

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If a peacock in Oakland can bring neighbors together
to foster a community of good will and optimism,
then there is indeed hope….. Happy New Year.

___________________________________________________________________________

Jeff Key—New Revised Website:

http://www.jeffmkey.com/

To see more of Jeff Key's artwork:
Sculpturesite Gallery: https://sculpturesite.com/artist/356-jeff-key
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/