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Developed during the flowering stage of the plants, the piece represents a point within the growing cycle and is concerned with the crop’s wider ecological impact and interconnectedness with the insect world. In the UK alone, we have more than 27,000 insect species such as butterflies, bees, beetles, dragonflies, and moths amongst many others. However, recent evidence suggests that the global number of insects may have declined by 50% or more since 1970 and 41% of insect species are currently threatened with extinction.* The work’s title references a term used to describe the last known individual of a lineage, species or subspecies. Once an endling dies the lineage or species becomes extinct.** Globalised intensive farming methods in the production of fibre are making a significant contribution to this decline through the clearing of habitats, the use of herbicides and pesticides, and the irrigation and pollution of waters.
Screenings: Somerset Film at The Engine Room, Somerset Art Weeks 2021, UK, Braziers International Film Festival 2022, Braziers Park School of Integrative Social Research, UK, LOCAL/GLOBAL Communities of Care, Stroud Film Festival 2022, UK, and Moving Image Cinema Caravan, Alchemy Film & Arts Festival 2022, UK
* Source: Goulson, D., Insect declines and why they matter, South West Wildlife Trusts
** The term 'endling' was first proposed by physicians Robert Webster and Bruce Erickson in a 1996 correspondence to the scientific journal Nature.
With special thanks to Richard Tomlinson & Somerset Film for technical support as well as Ignite Somerset & Arts Council England for financial support.