Violet Eyes Entomology

Jason Penfold grew up in country Australia, where his love for natural history began to grow. Surrounded by plants, animals and stones, his imagination and strong connection to nature has always been a passion.

Jason’s love for stones and minerals was nurtured through a family passion for Lapidary, which goes back two generations. Guided by his grandma, he has fond memories of foraging for semi-precious stones in his hometown of country New South Wales.

In 2012, Jason began teaching himself how to preserve and pin various butterflies, moths and arachnids. A continued, self-driven education in entomology has lead Jason to work with museums across Australia and the USA, as well as private collectors, on various projects and additions.

Now living in Melbourne, Australia, Jason’s art practise marries his love of Lapidary and Entomology into small scale sculptures enveloped in rich symbolism and archetypal meaning.

Jason’s most recent creation – A Study of Honey, is an olfactive examination of the golden liquid created by honey bees. From nectar-filled violets, to honey dripping fresh from the comb, the scent glows with delicate sweet and floral nuances, while woods envelop the space.