Way back in the last decade, 2002 in fact, I was inspired to make a Black Madonna doll based on Sue Monk Kidd's book, The Secret Life of Bees. Before it was an ok movie, it was a really great book. At least it spoke deeply to me back then, and still does. On the surface it's a coming-of-age story about a girl growing up and losing her mother when she was young. On a deeper level it is about finding the divine feminine in our lives and the power of tuning into that in our own hearts and relationships. The book features a Black Madonna and three eccentric bee keeping sisters set in 1964 rural South Carolina. And so, the original Queen Bee (on the right) came to be. Her dark skin reflects the light and her skirt is scattered with bees. Her flaming heart never dies and is hidden in each of us. An abstracted face and a crown of jewels grace her lovely countenance.
A friend of mine has been asking and asking me to make her one and I finally agreed. I don't like repeating, but she's a good friend and so passionate about her love for Queen Bee that I made her a sister. A mirror image. Of course she's not exactly the same, that's impossible. Just like real sisters I think. If you haven't read the book, it's well worth a look. Little jewels of wisdom shone through the pages and spoke to me with an abiding force – the story and characters reflected a wounded part of me and illuminated my view of the divine feminine. Anyway, here she is to show off for a moment before I send her to her new home today.
"I realized it for the first time in my life: there is nothing but mystery in the world, how it hides behind the fabric of our poor, browbeat days, shining brightly, and we don't even know it." – Sue Monk Kidd
oh Fran…..these sisters are spectacular, their sacred hearts the center of their beauty.
I adore this post! I adored the book…adoring the sisters and you
x..x
s
Wonderful, wonderful post! I loved the book, it does speak to a deep place in a woman’s heart. Your dolls are fabulous, also.
Thanks for reminding me about the book, I haven’t read it for a while.
Have you read Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos? I just re-read it, and I think you would like it, also.
xo
you are amazing. that bead work, the bees on the skirt…..and the memories of that great book coming back to me. i need to pull it off the shelf and peruse again. . .i knew better than to even consider seeing the movie. no way.
well, your beautiful spirit shines through your sensitive work!
Can you hear the loud roar of applause?
People throwing roses and calling “Brava! encore, encore!”….
The artistry is thick as pea soup around your place.
They’re stunning,
Love the sisters! And Secret Life of Bees – yes, I read it before it became totally mainstream. Love the early discovery of a good book!
I guess a triplett would be out of the question??? These black madonnas are to die for. I loved the book too.