THE BUZZING SPIRIT: AN INTERVIEW WITH ERIKA MAYR

Abstract

Erika Mayr is an entomologist, horticulturalist, ecologist, beekeeper, gardener, writer, and caretaker. She is the head gardener at the German Academy in Rome, where she also keeps her bees. Meeting Erika Mayr opens up a fascinating world. Not only because of her personal relationship with bees, but also because of the way in which Berlin has been the protagonist of this relationship. Bars, clubs, factories, urban gardens, artists, scientists, plants, and insects are part of a history of more than 25 years, in which Erika has dedicated herself to discovering, with affection and sensitivity, the importance of these animals for the existence of other species. Now living in Rome, her new home, she tells us part of that experience and the projects she has in this city.