Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. My name is Kevin and I love bugs. When I was younger growing up in Massachusetts I used to play with ants and other bugs in my yard. Unfortunately, this play involved firecrackers and magnifying glasses. I rehabilitated myself by educating myself with a Masters in Biology that had a focus on conservation and ecology issues. Now I protect and appreciate the creatures I tormented when I was younger. My work hopes to restore some sense of wonder about the natural world by exhibiting the stunning colors, intricate patterns and amazing details these creature have.

How did you first get involved with crafting? I began crafting about 8 years ago as a hobby and made insect displays as gifts for birthdays and weddings. Then an old roommate gave me a small booth space at a Holiday Craft Show in Boston and I ended up selling everything! This is when I knew I should make this a business.

What are your favorite materials to work with? Do you have a favorite color palette? I love integrating old maps, stamps, botanical prints, and foreign paper money into my insect displays. Objects with intricate detail mesmerize me, and these items pair nicely with insects that have similar detail and color.

What are your inspirations in your art and in life? Joseph Cornell is absolutely amazing and always inspired by anything involving a “cabinet of curiosities”. I love learning about the theory of evolution and how it has played a role in the intricate patterns, colors and behaviors of the natural world. How animals and people adapt to our surroundings is often interesting and inspirational.

What is your favorite song or album to listen to while working? I love Gotye because you can get lost in the music and it evokes a mystical element of nature for me, something I seek in my work.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them? Crafters are a breed of humans I love to be around – bright, creative and often dorky like me. I have received lots of great advice and tips from Jamie at Mary Jane’s Attic and love her business model of integrating craft education/outreach with her business.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? The thing I love most about my craft is that it is always evolving like nature. I never get bored and new ideas for pieces continuously mutate into tangible shadowbox displays. Stay tuned.

Please visit my new store at:  www.BugUnderGlass.etsy.com