I had a truly inspiring experience with a group of 5 artists for Ayatana Artists’ Research Residency’s Swarm, an intensive study of insects. All the scientists, participating artists, and Ayatana Director, Alexis Williams, were engaging and enlightening. It was the perfect time to test the capabilities of my phone’s camera with clip-on macro lens (works great) and to learn so much more about insects! We lured moths, we chased insects with nets, we visited the Canadian Department of Agriculture insect collection and entomological staff, we looked at insects through microscopes and sought them out in the forest, prairie and bog terrains. We worked with entomologists everyday — it was amazing. A huge thanks to the Great Meadows Foundation for funding my participation in Swarm and my journey to Quebec.
The Ayatana crew decked out in bug nets seeking lightning bugs.
A mosquito with my blood — artfully arranged and lit at the direction of professional macro photographer and consumer electronics industry veteran, John Healey.
Capturing all flying insects at Mer Bleue Bog with Moth expert Diane LePage.
A blinded Sphinx Moth found by luring moths with a bright light and white sheet between 9pm and 12:30am
The epic and beautiful Maman sculpture by Louise Bourgeois at the National Gallery of Canada. The bronze spider sculpture has a sac containing 32 marble eggs!
Using my clip-on macro lens to explore my own garden — look a wheel bug!
And then, a strong Frankfort, Kentucky community supporter, Bob Patrick generously gifted me a beautiful binocular microscope and petri dishes to study insects! Wow! Bob also donated a 15-inch telescope (it’s taller than me!) and many other astronomy materials, equipment, and books to my husband, Dan Price, NASA Solar System Ambassador! Wow — talk about level up! Thank you Bob!
Salt Marsh Moth caterpillar ready for a hug!
The hairs of the Saltmarsh caterpillar seen under higher magnification — look at those barbs on the hairs. As far as I know these caterpillars are not poisonous.
