Working technique

A lot of preparation is required before an insect model can be produced.

Extremely precise studies are absolutely vital, preferably on living animals, otherwise on dried species. Numerous photos are produced with the scanning electron microscope; similarly, many drawings have to be made.

Another important aspect throughout the whole creative process consists of frequent consultations with scientists and experts for the species being reproduced.

I have the privilege of working together closely with the Zoological Institute in Hamburg and various entomologists, to ensure that my models are scientifically correct.

After sketching and modelling the individual parts of the body, I take silicone moulds which in turn are cast in resin or laminated. Meticulous selection of the corresponding materials (ageing resistance, UV/synthetic light resistance) guarantees a practically unlimited service life for the model.

I attach particular importance to details such as characteristic hairs and bristles, specific veining in the wings and original colouring.

The aim of my work is to achieve the greatest possible correspondence with the living animal.

It should be difficult for the viewer to differentiate between model and original - apart from the size, of course.

Together with models of insects and arthropods, in future I am also planning to produce scenery and settings for the animals. The aim here is to demonstrate the reproduction, eating habits (predator or prey) or plants on which the animals live.

4 steps to produce the green tiger beetle.

The original model is given a fine surface structure.

Silicone moulds are taken of every part of the body.

Airbrush techniques are used to reproduce the colouring.

Every single hair and bristle must be applied individually.