Human Flower Project
HFQ #4: Will Pay for Pollen
“I wish to use tree pollen for my paintings. How much is it for about 2 pounds or 1 kg?”
Receiving Anna McKechnie’s message, we couldn’t believe our itchy eyes. Notorious and misnamed “cedar-fever” season, when juniper pollen kicks up allergies, began a couple of weeks ago in Austin. (Read Mary Ann Roser’s story and weep.)
We thought that Anna was pulling our leg but she kindly replied, from Niagara Falls, Ontario:
“Yes, I am an abstract artist and would love to find a source of some sort of yellow powder that is natural that can be used for enhancing art paints. I have heard it might be tree or flower pollen and that Rothko might have used this in his paintings. I would love to find a supplier for such a product if it is not too expensive.“
Not sure about Rothko, but Wolfgang Laib has produced art with flower pollen, and collects his own: hazelnut, pine and more.
If you decide you’d rather hybridize than make abstract art, Anna, we found this handy guide to harvesting lily pollen. Gathering two pounds would take some doing….
Rueben “Bud” Smitley, 73, sniffles through oak pollen season in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. We sympathize.
Photo: Christine Baker, The Patriot-News
A kilo or more of oak pollen coats our car every February. Interested?
We’ve come across several sources for “bee pollen.” Can’t imagine how harrowing that must be to acquire. Some claim that this substance will “smooth, soothe, and rejuvenate every inch of the outside of your body” but you didn’t ask to be caressed. You want to make art.
Readers, if you can help Anna locate two pounds of reasonably priced pollen, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We’d appreciate it if you .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Never know when this question may arise again.