2D We Will Survive | beverlypatterson

We Will Survive

This series originated back in 2019 in response to the stress of the run up to the 2020 election, the threat of Trumpism, and the Covid pandemic. When things seemed dire, "We Will Survive" was a reassuring message inspired by the endurance of the cockroach, my long-time artist mascot and muse. Along with my husband, Dwight Long, I created cockroach templates that we spray painted throughout San Francisco during the days of sheltering-in-place. Fast forward 4 years, confronted once again with a serious threat to our democracy, it seemed right to revisit this series and expand on the theme, adding to the set other insects that are associated with symbolical meanings.

Since ancient times, insects have appeared in art and mythology as symbols representing change, industry, royalty, social harmony, might, pestilence, disease, rebirth, life and death. Praying mantis and ladybugs are believed to be signs of good luck. Scarabs are associated with the resurrection and the enduring human soul. In literature, cockroaches have been depicted as symbols of resilience and survival. In the Old Testament locusts symbolize the wrath of God. Pre-dating the dinosaurs by 100 million years, silverfish are associated with longevity and adaptability. Despite symbolizing survival, persistence, and perception, no one likes mosquitos!

In pop culture, insects have been used as a stand-in for accessible human commentary. Think of the anthropomorphism in Charlotte’s Web, Pinocchio’s Jiminy Cricket, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, all the characters in Antz and A Bug’s Life, and not to forget the all-important conversation about the birds-and-bees. In 1916, writer Don Marquis, a columnist for New York City’s The Evening Sun, created a fictional cockroach who took over his typewriter at night to write satirical commentary on human nature. Through the voice of an insect, Marquis was able to discuss challenging social issues indirectly.

While we tend to think of insects as tiny objects we can easily squash, the reality is that they outnumber us 1:200 million and are fundamentally necessary for our survival. Playing a critical role in pollinating crops, recycling nutrients in the environment, controlling pest populations, and serving as a food source for other animals, insects are a vital part of the ecosystem that sustains us.

If we continue along our current path of self-destruction, insects may well have the last laugh, so perhaps now is a good time to listen to what they have to say!