ABOUT
As a conservation biologist, science educator and maker, Kevin Clarke’s mission is to protect, explain and flaunt aspects of the natural world. As sole designer and fabricator at Bug Under Glass, Kevin hopes to restore a sense of wonder about the natural world that is fleeting in an increasingly urban and technology driven world.
A lifelong love and concern for insects directed him to a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, work in the Fisher Ant Lab, rich experiences working in the entomology departments of the California Academy of Science and IZIKO South African Museum and a scientific publication.
Kevin’s insect art combines a passion for environmental conservation, science education and design. His work is currently displayed in natural history museums, zoos, art galleries, coffee table books, and in thousands of houses and offices. Additionally, he has created non-insect art, designing and hand-making pieces for the National Archives “Red Tape” project.
Kevin has a B.S. in Psychology from Boston College and a Master of Biology (Conservation Biology) from San Francisco State University/California Academy of Sciences. He lives in Sonoma County California with his wife, dog, and two young sons – one named after his favorite entomologist/scientist E.O. Wilson.
ABOUT BUG UNDER GLASS
The mission of BUG UNDER GLASS aka B.U.G. is to create an environment for experiencing the natural world in a sustainable and design-centered way. Founded by Kevin Clarke in 2002 while pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Biology.
In graduate school, Kevin learned about butterfly farming and how it links economic development with conservation, a rare win in our economically driven world. Butterfly farming and insect ranching are a way to obtain sustainable specimens and whose practices have a positive impact on conservation initiatives, especially in rainforest regions. We only use sustainable specimens.
The art of framing the specimens started as a hobby, making gifts for friends by utilizing skills learned while working in natural history museums. Disappointed with the quality of commercially made insect frames, Kevin wanted to make high-quality pieces that would last a lifetime and educate the owner about this little piece of nature inside. Materials matter and B.U.G.’s insect displays use museum-grade materials including 99% UV blocking glass. Every species has a story and our art tells its story and flaunts its beauty.