Ethics, Morals and Practices
This section is dedicated to being transparent about my practice and how I source materials for my works.
If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
High Moral Standards
Insects
All insects that I use including, but not limited to, spiders, butterflies, moths, scorpions, cicadas, beetles, leaf bugs, have been sourced responsibly from an Australian supplier. All insects are real and non-CITES species, meaning they aren't protected or endangered. The specimens are from a variety of different countries, and my supplier only works with those that sustainably breed or wild-collect with all appropriate permits.
I do my best to only purchase the farm bred insects however it is not possible for me to know exactly which are farmed or wild caught.
Insects have different grading systems, going from A1, A-, A2 and second grade and not all specimens are available in all grades. While I do my best to select only the best preserved insects, damage may occur during transit to me, or pinning. I will work hard to either fix the specimen so not to waste them or contact my supplier.
Bones
Bones and other organic materials such as feathers are used in my artworks.
All bones and feathers are ethically and sustainably sourced from a small business in Tasmania.
The bones are sourced from an array of different animals including non-native roadkill like feral cats and rabbits, bi-products from meat animals like chickens, quail, rabbits, cows, sheep and deer.
The culling of invasive species here in Australia can be necessary to protect biodiversity and agriculture, and some of the bones included in works may be invasive species such as house sparrows, black birds, starlings feral cats and invasive rats.
Animals are never killed for the purpose of making money.
All animal bones are sourced ethically.
All feral cats are checked for microchips.
All feathers are 100% naturally moulted from avian keepers with chickens, mallard ducks, emus, and peacocks.
Crystals
There are many different crystals that I use in my works, I try hard to find beautiful pieces for each artwork.
I source my crystals from a few small Australian businesses online or locally to where I live.
I will not source directly from overseas, I want to support Australian industy and other small businesses.
Where possible I try to find suppliers here that have good ethics and sustainability in mind however I also value the quality of the crystals so that my works are beautiful.
Plants
My artworks often include the use of real flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, grasses and other plant matter.
The plants used from my own garden are checked on the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage threatened biodiversity profile search and the CITES website. I do this to ensure that I am not using protected and threatened plants.
I also use bouquets I have received or bought for brighter colours or specific flowers. The plants are air dried, pressed or dehydrated for the use in artworks.
No Plastics
With the exception of some frames and glue, all of my art is created without plastics. I want to do the best I can to reduce plastic waste so if your artwork somehow ends up in the bin, it has a lower impact on the environment in this way.
More on my reduced plastic use below in 'waste reduction'.
Hand Crafted
Self Taught
I am entirely self-taught when it comes to my art and insect pinning. While I am as careful as I am, some specimens are so fragile that I may accidentally break them during the pinning and mounting process.
I am a perfectionist and will always attempt to fix a specimen where possible to the best of my ability.
I will make sure to mention in the description if a work has a damaged insect.
Attention to Detail
I am meticulous when working out the placements of my works. Every piece of the artwork is placed down, revised, moved revised again and only when I am completely happy with the design will I glue it all down.
If I am working on a commission I will also check that the client is happy with placement before I glue, unless of course they want to keep the final reveal a surprise.
I do everything I can to make sure every aspect and angle of the artwork is visually appealing.
Waste Reduction
Reusing
When packaging products for shipment I will firstly always reuse packing boxes and padding material collected from work or my own personal orders. Items such as bubble wrap, cardboard, packing peanuts and boxes are stored in my home for future use. I do my best to reduce my waste in this way and this is why you may receive your purchases in different and odd boxes at times.
Reducing Plastic Use
When I do not have an appropriate box or packing material for your product I may need to buy directly from a store. I will always choose paper-based, recycled or compostable packing materials as much as possible.
I also do my best to ensure your item arrives to you safely therefore if you are expecting a dome I may need to purchase bubble wrap for your work. I will always try to make the best decision on packing material where I can.