It’s Only A Bee

“The first time I drew a bee, I wanted to put a little “bzzzz” into the picture because sound is a part of life. I started to employ it more and more. But then I got stung on the arm by a bee and it swelled so big I couldn’t bend it. If I had been in the wilderness and was stung on my throat or my head, I may have died, my airways swollen, gasping for breath. This tiny little bee could have been my downfall. I feel it was a reminder to be aware of the little things in life, and to be thankful for each day.” – Mackenzie Thorpe

In this Mackenzie Thorpe limited edition print for sale, a young child runs through a field of heart shaped flowers as her dog pulls ahead of her on a leash. The child is drawn in Thorpe’s signature style with a big head and an ear to ear smile, an expression of pure joy and happiness. She is wearing a blue dress with light yellow polka dots and the sturdy brown shoes that Thorpe typically draws on his characters as a reminder to stay grounded. The child’s face does not have any recognizable features or characteristics, as Thorpe wants the viewer to relate to the image; The figure represents any and every child.

There is a single bee flying towards the child in the middle of the image, as if the painting is coming to life and we can hear the ‘bzzz’. Thorpe uses bees in his artworks to remind us to be thankful for each day and to be aware of the little things in life. The bee could cause considerable harm, even though it is so small and usually a reminder of a carefree summer day. The dog is looking back at the child, highlighting the unique bond that exists between humans and the animals that we grow to love. The two figures effortlessly float through a field of red hearts, carried by their joy, positivity and love. Thorpe draws fields of heart shaped flowers to remind us to plant seeds of love. We will see the rewards and love returned to us if we are able to give it freely.

Thorpe firmly believes that we are all born equal and that fear is learned. It’s not real, yet we continue to live with it and to pass it on for generations. Instead, we could be welcoming happiness and sharing joy. The new and the unknown do not need to be lived in fear, they can be enjoyed with a positive attitude. For Thorpe, the big head characters symbolize the innocence of children, new and uncorrupted. They are full of endless possibilities and open to whatever comes their way. It’s only as we grow older that we become narrow minded and closed. He challenges us to “keep our heads as big as possible”.

Thorpe’s much-loved images are rooted in authenticity, expressing an emotionally tender world and a universal message of hope that connects with people across cultures. This limited edition print, along with several other Mackenzie Thorpe artworks, is available for sale at Marcus Ashley Gallery in South Lake Tahoe. Marcus Ashley is a premier fine art destination, exhibiting 40+ of the world’s most renowned artists of our time and is recognized for its outstanding service, which includes custom framing, private home shows for clients within 60 miles and worldwide shipping.