Smoke Signals, video documentation of performance (2008)

Smoke Signals is an early attempt trying to communicate with honey bees. In this performance, I appropriate the use of smoke, the preferred method beekeepers use to calm the bees. Billows of smoke are sent up as signals to the bees, hoping to make a connection. When I go out to visit the hives, I test a variety of communication devices and methods such as contact mics, movement, vibration, listening devices, smoke, etc. The poetic and intuitive gestures may or may not communicate with the bees. It is possible these actions may capture the imagination of human viewers and open communication channels with a human audience... or possibly through trial and error, I may find a way to reach both species. Observing the bees and listening to them teaches me more about language. What happens when someone comes close to listen? Will the code be intercepted? Through these actions, I am hoping to gain an understanding of both humans and bees.