Insect Control

15 x 11 x 3 inches, handspun yarn, felted wool yarn, mulberry paper, grapevine, rigid foam, canvas, beads, wire, gel medium

Woodpeckers are common in Vermont and I often hear them pecking away at trees as I work in my studio. This one is covered in characteristic crisp black and white garb, with delicate wings and tail constructed from mulberry paper. Knitted grey felted lace suggests the grooves of tree bark. Tiny bead bugs are nestled in the bark. As woodpeckers drill to dislodge insects to eat, they remind us that things we consider pests are food for birds. The interconnected food web reaches to the lowliest bugs and grubs. This piece would look sweet hanging on the wall near a window that looks out on a bird feeder.