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.
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.
(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.
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.
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:
Sculpturesite Gallery: https://sculpturesite.com/artist/356-jeff-key
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/
