Journal entry for August 17, 2001

Today's summary: More work on my prototype shadowbox for insect specimen sculptures.

Here's a cross-sectional scheme for what I hope to do. In this view the "back" of the box is at the bottom of the illustration.

The basic elements are...

• Clear maple shadowbox, finished with light cherry stain and hand-rubbed tung oil.
• Glass front is held up by an unobtrusive, thin strip of acrylic.
• Black velvet liner on all sides.
• The backing is black velvet on a metal mesh grid for support.
• The specimen's feet are tied down to the hidden support mesh, using tiny transparent nylon loops.
• The shadowbox has a solid back, plywood stained to match. Held in place by framer's points.
• For hanging, screw eyes and wire may be added, or a toothed picture-hanging strip.

I basically "sew" the insect's feet down. The nylon thread is like fishing line. After I sew each foot down, I can tie it off tightly and superglue the knot for security.

Tying the feet will be less obtrusive than the screws I'd been using before, and also less likely to damage the sculpture or the backing surface during installation. Plus, it's so low profile, I can just use a flat sheet instead of constructing a hollow space to hide the fasteners.

It'll probably cost me just as much as the specimens themselves in terms of money, time, and effort... but it's worth it, since this is more than just a frame -- the display is really part of the work.

That's the plan. I think it'll work out well, and the luxury aspect fits what I'm going for with my work.

Muaa ha ha ha ha haaa!