Abecedarian Insectarium: Bugs and Insects A to Z

It started with the yellow jacket wasp I found in the street. Even though it was dead, it had such an animated quality, almost cartoon-like. I carefully cradled it in my hand and was immediately inspired to paint it. Soon cicada were emerging, leaving their scarab-like shell behind. Dragonflies were hovering about my head. My insect treasures mounted; firefly, butterfly, beetle, ladybug and more, arousing my inner scientist. The local library and bookstore provided my trove of compelling facts and educational information. A journal of bugs and insects took shape. What followed was a selection of bugs from a to z. I wanted to hold a special book in my hand recognizing the beauty of nature. So I created my own, "Abecedarian Insectarium, Bugs and Insects A to Z"

Lynn Stephens Massey grew up throughout the country; Louisville, Dallas, San Diego, Shelbyville, KY and Portland, OR. At an early age Stephens was exposed to visual art and music by her artist mother and tenor-voiced. The arts flourished in her home. Music and art have been parallel themes throughout her life, always playing the piano, drawing and painting. Stephens chose the visual arts as her career choice. She pursued graphic design at PNCA, Portland, OR, illustration at Art Center, Pasadena, CA, and painting at Ecole des Beaux-arts, Paris, France. What has emerged is an artist with a rich educational and experiential experience.