Bug Under Glass creates and builds museum quality insect displays and insect jewelry (new!) and is the first and only Green Certified insect display business in the country. It started in 2002 and continues to build this business on a foundation of ecological conservation, science education, design and art.
My background is in biology and my graduate school research focused on ants. I have worked in the entomology departments of the California Academy of Sciences and IZIKO South African Museum and get a kick over posing insects in human-like situations. You can see some at www.bugunderglass.com
What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? I have always loved to create things and when I started researching insects I thought they would be a perfect medium because of their amazing colors and shapes. When I learned that I could obtain specimens from insect farming programs that were sustainable and were part of forest conservation programs, I went into business. I love it because I get to work with the animals I love, teach others about them and show off the beauty that lives in far off places. This is now my full-time job.
Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line. Insect ideas are always popping into my head. I love scanning and manipulating old maps and then pairing them with butterflies native to that particular area. Joseph Cornell’s work is also very inspiring to me.
What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? The best thing is that I am making a living at what I love to do. I get to work from home, hang out with my dog (and wife in the summertime), and play with insects. The worst part is the long weekend craft shows, which can be exhausting, and answering the same question over and over – “are these real?”
What’s the best advice you have been given about your business or craft practices? Always talk to other crafters as they are the best source of information.
I am currently trying to get a Rhinoceros Beetle to wear miniature women’s lingerie (yes this does exist).