A curated collection of 14 different gilded insect species. Each insect has been preserved, pinned and hand gilded partially or completely in pure fine gold leaf. This is my second large scale compilation piece. For this, I wanted to use high contrast in place of negative space - to draw the viewer in with not only the gold and black, but with small pops of colour. The iridescent green of the rare orchid bee, the gentle fluffy blue of the carpenter bee and the rich metallics of the emerald scarab beetles. Drawn in closer, the viewer notices the tiny elements of the piece - not only the intricate details of the wings, made all the more prominent with the gold leaf behind, but the impossibly small baby leaf insect. She is entirely gilded, down to the feet thinner than a strand of hair. And the mosquito - only the second gilded mosquito I have ever accomplished.

The frame measures 32cm x 32cm and contains four beetles, a millipede, mosquito, baby leaf insect, moth, preying mantis, antlion, orchid bee, bumblebee, carpenter bee and a damselfly.

This piece is a one of a kind and will not be reproduced.