The Tissue Butterfly Series is a tribute to my late grandfather, Quimby Hess, an entomologist and forester who traveled the world collecting butterflies. Each piece in this series is crafted with tissue paper, acrylic gouache, and thread for the delicate antennae, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of these winged wonders. The butterflies are three-dimensional and are carefully pinned into shadow boxes, reminiscent of real-life specimens preserved in a collection. This work is deeply personal—rooted in childhood memories of visiting my grandparents’ home, where I would open drawer after drawer to discover the beauty of my grandfather’s butterfly collection. Through this series, I aim to honor his legacy and the fascination he sparked in me for the natural world.

tissue paper, acrylic gouache, thread, pins