The insects in the gallery have been photographed in their natural environment and the gardens surrounding our family home in Muskoka. The landscape is comprised of open sunny areas with exposed barren rocks set against a backdrop of forested hills.

 

The property originated with a small cabin in the 1970's with many long, carefree summer days, before becoming a year-round home. The natural setting, once a place of childhood exploration continues to provide endless hours of nature study.  

 

Muskoka is on the traditional land and treaty territory of the Anishinaabeg, which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations - a historic alliance known as The Council of Three Fires.

 

My interest in insects began years ago, but when I recently learned the Ojibwe word for insects, it solidified my belief that insects are messengers. The Ojibwe word is Manidoosh and the literal translation is 'little souls'. It is rooted in an ecological relationship to the land.