“Killer Queen” is a set of wire jewelry inspired by the cicada killer wasp, with all four pieces handcrafted by me. The assignment prompt was to create a monochromatic piece using a specimen from the lab, exploring how color can affect a viewer’s perception and isolating the form from the distraction of color. While many of my classmates experimented with different monochromatic colors, I chose to create the entire collection in silver to emphasize the delicate yet sharp qualities of the wire and the insect itself.

The collection consists of four pieces: a crown, necklace, ear cuff, and wrap bracelet. Each piece incorporates forms and motifs inspired by the cicada killer wasp, a type of wasp that hunts cicadas to feed its young. I was particularly interested in the contrast between the wasp’s delicate appearance and its predatory nature—qualities that I wanted to reflect through the thin, intricate, yet pointed forms of the wire.

The cicada killer’s gender roles also influenced the concept of the collection. Only females have stingers and are responsible for capturing cicadas and providing food for their offspring. This female-led role inspired the emphasis on queenship and royal ornamentation throughout the pieces. The crown, in particular, represents the female cicada killer as the central figure of the collection, transforming the insect’s natural characteristics into a celebration of strength, femininity, and leadership.