Artisan Snapshot: Kevin Clarke of Bug Under Glass

• Who are you? And what drives to you create!?

My name is Kevin from BugUnderGlass and learning about all the fascinating stories, strategies and designs in the natural world really drives me to create.  I studied ants in Grad. School and I believe they are one of the most creative animals around – they are my inspiration. 

• When & why did you start your Etsy shop?

I started my ETSY store in January 2009 and wanted an online outlet that had lots of eyes.  EBAY seemed too generic for me and not really for artists.

Awesome items in the "Flea Circus" can be found here.

A few of Kevin's Favourites: 

BOOKS

Travels with Charley – John Steinbeck

A Journey of the Ants – E.O. Wilson

Where Does the Money Go – Scott Bittle (everyone should read this – I love macro economics)

Guns, Germs Steel – Jarad Diamond

 MOVIES

Microcosmos

Shawshank Redemption

Murderball

Nature Documentaries

Baraka

Nowhere in Africa

• How did you come up with your business name?

A fun acronym for B.U.G. – Bug Under Glass

• What does a day in your life look like?

I wake up at 6 a.m mainly because my wife is a teacher and then start  answering emails.  Next, I start packing and sending orders until 9am and take a break by walking my dog.  Then it is bugs all day, usually until 8 or 9 o’clock.  I work way too much.

• How do you promote your work? Do you have any best tips & tricks of the trade?

My work is very easy to promote because the insects pretty much sell themselves.  A products story is a biggest selling point and if you can tell that well you should do okay.

To find out more about Kevin & his wonderful wares, feel free to click on the links:

ETSY // WEBSITE // FB // TWITTER

Kevin will be showing his works from Bug Under Glass at Winter Wonderland Craft Bazaar on Saturday, December 4th from 1PM to 9 PM at Urban Bazaar in the Inner Sunset! Come check out more of his works on display and find out a little more about the process that goes into his work while shopping for a unique gift.

RSVP on Facebook!

Handmade Local Winter Event in the Works

Our Grand Opening banner, handmade by Briana Bers

SF Etsy has already had one tremendously successful Trunk Show Sampler this year and we're hoping to be able to follow up with another triumph.

The Winter Wonderland Craft Bazaar will be a local show being hosted in San Francisco's Sunset District by Urban Bazaar on 9th Avenue (between Irving & Judah). Having only been open for a little over two months, Brandi Chalker & Briana Bers have been showcasing local talent & fair-trade items to a supportive community. Their amazing passion for all items handmade shows in their eclectic & thrilling collection of wares for sale in their unique location.

Together with Steph Cortés from nerd JERK, Brandi & Briana have teamed up to bring San Francisco in touch with fantastic handmade gifts this holiday season. Winter Wonderland Craft Bazaar will feature all local members of the SF Etsy Team, led by Jen Johnson of Mama's Magic Studio.

The show will be held on Saturday, 4th December, 2010, in the lovely back garden of the venue from early afternoon until around 9 PM, with a cocktail hour that starts at 6 PM!

Shop local, stay warm & support handmade in a festive fashion at Winter Wonderland Craft Bazaar.

[More Updates on the artists, music & prizes coming soon!]