Artist Statement

"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left."
- Albert Einstein

We chose to create a final product that would educate those on the devastating outcome of Colony Collapse Disorder in Honey Bee hives. We have found through this project many do not know or fully understand the importance of these extraordinary creatures. Bees pollinate approximately one-third of the crops in the U.S. Honey bees, in particular, pollinate around 100 of the flowering food crops such as, cucumbers, nuts, avocados, soybeans, apples, citrus fruits, and berries. In essence, all flowering plants need bees. Without honey bees our crops would not be pollinated therefore there would be no way for flowering crops to reproduce, leaving us without produce. In the last months of 2006 and into 2007, more than 25 percent of the U.S.’s 2.4 million bee colonies were lost to Colony Collapse Disorder, also known as CCD. The cause of this terrible disease is unknown. Some researchers say that CCD was brought on by an AIDS-like virus, the use of pesticides, or overworking land.

Whether or not we are able to do anything for these creatures we feel that making sure that others are aware of this destructive disorder is our way to help. Before we began this project neither of us recognized or knew the importance of these small insects. For some, it’s common knowledge that bees pollinate flowers but do people know what pollination does, why we can’t exist without it? Our main goal for our final product was to make a documentary that would educate others and bring awareness. We had no idea the huge role honey bees have in the world and what they do for us.