Butterfly My Day

 

 

View more insect art at EntomologyArt.blogspot.com and purchase at my Etsy shop: EntomologyArtCo

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   As a child my parents used to take me and my kid bothers and sisters to the mountains to escape having a household of neighbor kids visiting. In the wilderness we took up hobbies of rock and fossil collecting, botany and butterfly hunting. I was fascinated with each and every piece of the adventure and particularly took to learning about the butterflies. As a young student I started studying with the local entomology department at Utah state University and went on many field trips to learn more about insects. My time in the mountains became a part of who I wanted to be for the rest of my life. As my friends were dreaming of growing up to be The Little Mermaid, I thought I would be a hermit in the mountains and spend all day with the wild world. Later as they dreamed of being school teachers and famous actresses, I got more realistic and dreamed of being a National Geographic Photographer. But then, as I aged I learned that my NatGeo photographer dream wasn't all too obtainable (yes, I envy them) or realistic if I wanted to be a very involved mother so I began a career in portraiture instead. For years I enjoyed photographing families and weddings and on my free time I would photograph scenery and insects. I didn't ever plan to sell my 'play' photography and looked at the market for these photographs as a low demand item. It was for pure enjoyment and I rarely even showed those pictures to family because they had more fun with the pictures of the people. But, what I didn't realize was that I was learning more about butterflies and insects with every moment I spent with them. I know their flight patterns, their flirt and even that they sense that I won't harm them. I recognize their individual specie shadows as they fly over me and through the years I have noticed certain species becoming less prevalent. This is where I give back to them. With my knowledge in insects I was hired soon after high school to office manage and determine pest issues at my valleys largest extermination company. It was my first experience with chemicals on a large scale. I have a respect for the human-created attempt at a solution for pests but I also learned what enormous dangers those chemicals can be. Yes, there are times they are needed but there are even more times that they are not. In effort to give back to the honey bees and butterflies of the world (and also in memory of my four deceased under the age of 30, relatives and friends due to cancer) I have begun a company that educates and brings a chemical free solution to dairy farmers to combat flies, Bio Pest Solutions. Without the chemicals being used on dairy farms, it is a start to a healthier world for us and them.
  About my art: It begins with my childhood memories and expands to a desire to share with the world something that may not be obtainable by everyone, a respect for and a glimpse into the world of insects. Each piece is made with the intent to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home or classroom in a modern and classic piece of art. The pieces from the 'Experience' collection are designed to show how these creatures truly interact and are often times designed after an insect life photo that I have taken. Most often there will be an inspiration 4x6 copyrighted photograph included in an envelope on the back of the framed art. Included with all of my art is a description of the specimens, their stories and origination. The butterflies and insects are protected with preserving treatments and will not lose their color. The art will last so long as you don't expose them to long term direct sunlight or treat them roughly. After you own the art for a few years or more, it may be helpful to add some mothballs in a cloth bag to the backside of the frame.
 Final note: I receive my insects from farms and do not kill the butterflies that I catch in the wild. But, I do visit schools and educate with wild specimens and then release them in an unharmed condition.