Senior Zoology Minor in Environmental Science and Resource Management
Artist's Statement Biology Insect and Flower Microscopy Department UW 2007

How did you take the photos?
I used an Olympus Stylus 720SW and a standard dissecting microscope here on campus. I spent many long hours photographing them over the course of several months.
Where did you get the specimens?
Some from the UW Teaching collection (Thanks to Professor Evan Sugden). Others were collected from windowsills here on campus and from my personal collection. 
What sparked your interest in insects?
I have always been fascinated with these microscopic wonders. When I was seven I had an insect hospital where I would rescue insects floating on the surface of our small pool and designed a comfortable drying bed where they could recover. Most of them did and my favorite part was watching them fly away back into the world. I would also collect spiders and was fascinated with the lightening bugs in the southeast US where I lived. When I was 13 I got my first monarch butterfly chrysalis and held the drying butterfly on my finger until it flew. While my interests then expanded to the great apes and birds insects have always held a special place in my heart.
What made you interested in art?
I have always been an artist in some form. Painting, sculpture, guitar, poetry and photography. However my first love is the natural world and the scientific method. These photos are the perfect combinations of my two passions and I am grateful for the opportunity.
What got you interested in microscopy/photography?
I love the idea of looking at things one cannot normally perceive with the naked eye. Also, a picture is worth a thousand ideas. Documentation of the natural world and sharing that world with others is a wonderful way to share my passion with others.
When are you graduating?
This coming spring 2007, however I plan to be active in alumni and campus events.
What is the next step for these photos?
We will be having an art show in Kinkaid Hall on Friday April 13, 2007. It is open too the public I will have information on purchasing them. We will then be having an auction during Washington week to benefit the department. I am also donating the digital images for professors to use in their courses. Anyone interested in the collection or buying prints are welcome to contact me.
What are you trying to say with these images?

• Insects (other than butterflies) can be beautiful
• We often take these fascinating organisms for granted
• I think, "Who needs aliens?" when we have such amazing organisms all around us if we just take a closer look.
• I hope to inspire others to take a closer look at these fascinating creatures
• These animals have been around for hundreds of billions of years (Since the Devonian Era). Their genetic and physiological versatility, intelligence, stunning specialization, fascinating mutualisms, as well as their sacrifices to science make me absolutely admire them.