In 2018 monarch butterfly populations in California reached a super low number. This is after years of steady decline. For environmental awareness and a call to action, I want to attract attention to monarch butterflies.
I am building an larger than life animatronic monarch butterfly. I am looking for support in displaying my 2015 piece and assistance in the construction and displaying of a new and larger piece currently in development.
Animatronic Monarch Butterfly created by John Espey in 2015. Embedded servo motors, textiles, and mixed media.
In 2015, I constructed a monarch butterfly with embedded servo motors to flap its wings (image attached). As an artist, my intention is to explore insect physiology and behavior using larger than life scale models with integrated electronics. I hope these insectoid robots encourage viewers to think differently about their relationship to insects, as well as the incredible biomechanics they employ to survive. I majored in Biology and have used my background in science to inspire my work. The relationship humanity has with its environment is reaching a new level of complexity and global awareness. We are discovering the critical importance pollinators, like monarchs, have on our food supply, climate, and biodiversity.
I propose to construct a new and purpose built animatronic monarch butterfly based on my previous piece with mechanical and aesthetic improvements. The piece I built several years ago functions well as a static sculpture now. I want to build a new one with improved accuracy and strength. The new mechanics will help the piece last extended exhibition time, and refine accuracy to the monarch butterfly physiology.
Please reach out to me through my contact if you can envision a home for these pieces.