These cool little buggers have a hint of steampunk and influences from the pseudo-Victorian time period mixed with modern art. The man behind the creations, Mike Libby, graduated with a degree in sculpture from RISD and started this hobby about eight years ago.
This very cool hobby started one day when he found a dead beetle and looked at how closely it resembled a mechanical device. He decided to dissect the beetle and put tiny parts and gears from a watch to create a sculpture which ended up looking like a hybrid robotic beetle.
The preserved insects used to create these sculptures are non-endangered and come from all over the world including Africa, Brazil, China, New Guinea, and USA. Most of the mechanical parts that are attached to the insects come from pocket and wristwatches. He also uses electrical components from time to time as well as parts from typewriters and sewing machines.
Mechanical Insects by Mike Libby
Mike Libby’s work has been featured throughout the US and Canada in solo and group exhibits. His work will also be featured at The Peabody Museum, Craft Boston, Device Gallery in San Diego, and The Smithsonian Craft show in Washington DC to name a few. Prices range depending on the sculpture but expect to pay anywhere from $375 to $2000 range. If you are interested in purchasing or ordering a custom sculpture, contact Mike through Insect Lab Studio.
Very nice work!
It does look pretty damn cool. I would like to get more of this kind of thing posted up.