FAQ

Q: Where do you get your insects from?

A: I source all of my insects from conservation farms that work to support the natural population of the insects they raise. Many of these farms work on a rule of thirds; 1/3 of the insects they raise will be released into the wild, 1/3 will be kept for breeding, and 1/3 will be sold to artists like me in order to fund the farms operational costs. 

 

Q: How did you first get starting working with insects?

A: I grew up in the Pinelands of New Jersey, where the tell tale sign that summer was here were the sounds of cicadas. I loved sleeping with the windows open and listening to them (and the tree frogs!). Then, I began working in a garden center, and would occasionally come across diseased insects that I thought were too beautiful to leave. I began watching tutorials on how to display them, and kept practicing with what I was able to find until I became more confident!

 

Q: Are your insects ethically sourced?

A: I always say that my insects are sustainably sourced, as the ethics around insect sourcing is a little mixed. 98% of the insects you'll see in my shop did not die of natural causes; rather, in order to preserve the insect as best as possible, farm technicians will euthanize them immediately after they come out of their cocoon / chrysalis. But fear not, insects do not have a central nervous system and therefore do not feel pain as we do, and there are ways to euthanize them that are considered ethical. Being able to sell beautifully preserved specimen is incredibly important for the farms that raise them to continue being able to support their population.