ABOUT THE ARTISIAN:

Biologist Kevin Clarke’s professional insect career started over 8 years ago when he moved to South Africa for work on an arthropod study. What made this trip extra special was that just 11 months prior to his flight he was a stock market analyst sitting in a cubicle wondering how he could become more involved with his true passion – insects. Then, a fortuitous meeting with an entomologist at a bar turned into ten eye-opening months of casual volunteering in the entomology department at the California Academy of Sciences surrounded by 14 million insects. This was when he knew the insects were the answer to his calling.

This experience lead to another door opening; a chance to work at a lab in South Africa, which gave him confidence to quit his finance job and move to Africa on a whim. Following his passion, more doors opened that eventually lead to a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, a National Science Foundation funded teaching fellowship, a scientific publication and a blossoming insect display business that embraces his three favorite things - conservation, science education and bugs. Kevin’s story is a testament that if you follow your passion; however weird, you can make a living doing what you love.

The Bug Under Glass studio is nestled in the Richmond District of San Francisco and is full of amazing creatures with stunning colors, intricate patterns and unique personalities. Kevin will gladly work with you on a special display for your home, a unique wedding gift or anything else that involves six legs. Just email him at bugunderglass (AT) mac.com or call 415.308.1932 with any orders or questions, or you can just follow BugUnderGlass on Facebook and Twitter for future inspiration and news.

PUBLICATIONS:

This is my first scientific publication regarding ant conservation in San Francisco.

Clarke K.M., Fisher B.L., LeBuhn G.  2008. The Influence of Urban Park Characteristics on Ant (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) Communities. Urban Ecosystems 3,  pp. 317-334.