Hey There
My name is Jim, and I’ve been fascinated by butterflies and moths since I was a young boy.
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My passion began when I met a man from another country who was walking along the sidewalk, carefully studying the ground. Curious, I asked what he was doing. He explained that he was searching for signs of caterpillars so he could collect, raise, and eventually breed them to create new generations of butterflies and moths. That brief encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with these incredible creatures and their remarkable life cycle.
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As a teenager, my girlfriend—who is now my wife—and I would spend Friday nights “sugaring” for moths. We’d mix brown sugar and beer into a paste, brush it onto tree trunks in the forest preserve, and return later to find the moths drawn to the sweet scent, gently intoxicated by the mixture. The same method works for butterflies, though they’re especially fond of aged fruit mixed with beer.
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When our family grew, I began taking my children—and later, my grandchildren—into the woods with butterfly nets to share my love of nature. Together, we learned about the stages of a butterfly’s life, from egg to adult, and after observing them, we would always release them back into the wild.
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Over the years, my fascination only deepened. I spent countless hours researching, studying, and watching documentaries to broaden my understanding. One day, while visiting someone’s home, I saw a stunning framed display of real butterflies. I was captivated by its beauty and inspired to explore the art of pinning and framing butterflies and moths myself. Through patience and practice, I taught myself the careful, intricate process of preserving their natural elegance in this unique form of art. All of the butterflies and moths I use are ethically and sustainably sourced from reputable suppliers who work with conservation farms around the world.
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After many years of refining my craft, I decided to share the wonder and tranquility these creatures bring me through my framed butterfly and moth displays.
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Thank you for visiting my online gallery. I hope my artwork brings your space the same sense of peace, beauty, and inspiration it has brought me in creating it.
