Unicia Buster:
Human Cecropia
My love of moths continues as I channeled the spirit of the Hyalophora cecropia Linnaeus or Cecropia moth, the largest native North American moth for my latest work of art.
Moths don’t always get a lot of love so I thought I’d showcase their beauty in this costume I created. I hand-painted the wings and skirt. The top and skirt I made using a pattern but altered a bit. The headpiece contains insects that I made from polymer clay, wire, crepe paper and paint. I also included in the headpiece irises that I made from crepe paper, dried flowers, store-bought flowers and rhinestones. The antennae are made from crepe paper and wire. The insects represented: Two carpenter bees (Xylocopa), an Indian Leaf (Kallima inachus) butterfly, a Cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia) moth, an Atlas (Attacus atlas) moth, a Luna (Actias luna) moth, and a Disturbed Tigerwing (Mechanitis polymnia) butterfly. The photos by my awesome photographer/son, Adrian.
A luna moth created by artist in residence Unicia Butler.
Showcased at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Va. (where I am an artist-in-residence), I enjoyed greeting visitors and having them guess my costume. The antennae were a dead give-away to those who know the difference between butterfly and moth antenna. One person knew exactly what I was but, of course, she worked there! 
I love the interactions nature and art bring. The garden recently had dancers and poets present their nature-inspired art to guests. Besides breaking down barriers, the arts promote conversations that would otherwise not happen.
Stay tuned for the next one! I’m thinking something in purple…
Check out my other wearable art in the garden: Outfit 1, outfit 2, and outfit 3.
Editor’s note: this post originally ran on Unicia Buster’s blog.
Unicia Butler as a moth. Notice the necklace! The antennae are made from crepe paper and wire.