Collar (throat)

Collar (throat) is inspired by the energy center at the front of the throat. While making this piece, I imagined a neck collar made of living bees and what that might feel like if one could actually wear such a thing. Restrictive. Spectacular. Mesmerizing. Stifling.

The throat is a source of speech, power, and as a regulator (the thyroid gland). Collars can be signs of status or modesty. They can be decadently decorative or noticeably plain.

Often, I’ll find a work of art starts with a single visual and as the piece progresses, or even after it’s done, I’ll start to become aware of various layers of meaning. Such was the case with this piece.

Collar (throat) is on exhibit in the Annex Gallery at UW Oshkosh through Feb. 23 as part of my show, Intermediaries.