My years of working at the RISD Nature Lab made a huge impression on me. I am drawn to natural history museums, and I've got a small collection of animal skulls at home as well as a growing mineral collection. In my dream house there is a room of built in curio cabinets to house my collection.
Of course, contrary to many pieces of historical taxidermy, I would prefer my collection to be naturally harvested. Enter Bug Under Glass, or B.U.G. (I see what you did there.)
This fantastic little business out of San Francisco creates insect mounts from ecologically sustainable insects, which in turn can play an important role in rainforest conservation. Insect farming allows indigenous populations to make a living off of the rainforest, while at the same time providing a powerful incentive to protect it.
Like museum specimens, these archival quality mounts are sealed for protection, chemical free and UV protected for a long life. Every display comes with a vintage museum style label describing the insect on the back. They are hand numbered and registered to you, not mass produced.
I'm lucky to own a blue morpho butterfly from his shop, and I've given a few to friends and family over the years. Kevin has always been very nice, with that small business touch that makes me feel appreciated as a customer.
I am a San Francisco-based insect artist and biologist that believes every insect has a story and my art helps narrate their unique tale. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques in order to bring one closer to these amazing creatures. After working in entomology departments in Africa and San Francisco and earning a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology that focused on insects, I turned my attention to a business that embodies my three passions; insects, conservation and craft.
Top row, L to R: lanternfly, orange leopard lacewing butterfly, walking leaf insect, green winged cicada Bottom row, L to R: yellow winged walking stick, jewel frog beetle, red flasher butterfly, painted blue weevil
Which one is your favorite? I have a hard time choosing between the lanternfly and the blue weevil.
All photos courtesy of Bug Under Glass and © bugunderglass.com
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