These animals have great mythological importance to the artist, a plainly evident fact in her work. All such animals have specific physical transformation in their life cycles and she draws parallels between this growth and the maturation of her two children. The role of the mother in this process is also very important for her. The metamorphosis from child to adult appears in several of her pieces. One of these shows a child in a chrysalis, symbolizing her daughter's growth.
Bees give a collective and individual message.
They shows the parallel between the interconnection of Watkins family and the workings of a hive. One piece of art in the collection which also shows the bond between family members is a long rope with a ball on each end. In her journal, which accompanies the display in the Art Center, she says that this piece of art could symbolize either union between Watkins and her husband or an umbilical cord in pregnancy. Another message portrayed is the protective role of the mother in the life of her children. This sentiment is displayed is the most prominent piece of art.