Since the late 1990’s style steampunk is becoming more and more popular, and not only in the literature. Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by enthusiasts into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical “steampunk” style. And often this stylization gives very unexpected results. Like, for example, art works of american sculptor Mike Libby. His studio Insect Lab make robots from dried insects. Insects for his works come from around the world, from Africa, China, New Guinea, Brazil, Texas, etc. Each cog or gear wheel from antique pocketwatches and wristwatches are used as mechanical components. Each small robot from his collection is unique and costs a lot of money – price for the one robot ranges from $600 to $2500.
44 comments
Thanks for this great post on unique insect designs. It’s so neat to see the insects being presented in a different way. Keep up the good work!
I’d like to follow your work on Pinterest. How would I do that? You are incredible.
These insects are superb. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. This defies description – it reminds me of the spy flies in The Golden Compass. Thanks!
Incredible idea! They look like transformers! 🙂
Nice insect. Maybe there are a useful insect in the world
really a fantastic idea!
Wow it looks amazing! Where can I get one for myself??
This is amazing. Is it only photoshop ar it is rendered in 3d program?
Wow! Love them… Such a nice piece of creativity.
Awesome invention, its looking too great 🙂
This looks really amazing to me.. 🙂
Are these photoshopped?
wow… this amazing …..i think this things exits only in movies ……
Fantastico 🙂 Super
amazing and stunning
Very cool! Bugs still freak me out though!
I did something with a similar concept a few years back. I created photo illustrations for concept patents of mechanical insects that provide services to society like vaccinations, and communications. I like your version. Very neat sculptures.
Not sure I like using real insects but I think steampunk is cool.
I dont like the use of formerly living things to create art in this fasshion. Having said that…the results are beautiful…but sadden me nonetheless.
I hope he doesn’t kill those insects for art’s sake
These are truly breathtaking!!!
That’s really something exciting. It seems to me that it’s a new and interesting idea to make robots from dried insects. Good job!!! Great design!
Beautiful designs. I love them.
Beautiful Steampunk Designs. I love Mike Libby’s work, simply fantastic!
hi
i like ur insects. bt can u tell me as an artist which massage u wants give to society to make insects nd why u choose insects for ur sculpture..
I guess I think the bugs look pretty cool on their own and don’t need anything added.
Really nice.
Thanks alot.
these are gorgeous and creepy – the essence of steampunk. I love them.
imagination and creation …fine
Very nice.
Thanks
so real.I look like alive.
@Tombot – Sorry but the paragraph up top says “His studio Insect Lab make robots from dried insects.” I’m afraid I’ll take Shannon’s side on this one. I guess I think the bugs look pretty cool on their own and don’t need anything added.
Wow very nice
exceptional detail.
I can’t believe one of the above comments think that these are dried insects with motors put in them. No, they are genius design replicating the form of an insect with gears and springs located inside. VERY COOL and I can think of a ton of uses besides fun ones. light weight remote sensing for weather. Fly them into a tornado or a hurricane by the thousands and retrieve priceless data.
cool, but are they functional?
I want one of these for my desk!
yes I want too for me. that’s super artistic things
very vet!
indeed very vet!
this is horrible. let’s dry you out and stick a gear up your buttocks!
Wow 🙂 insects have mechanical structure naturally & fit perfectly with robotics . . cyborg-goggos.
Think of the skills and creativity this must take to come up with the idea and actually pull it through. I’m not at all surprised by the price of these things. Awesome work.
Wow. This defies description – it reminds me of the spy flies in The Golden Compass. Thanks for sharing!