Hunters

Hunters (2016)

Artist: Janet Austin

Media:
Leaves: Stainless steel
Insects: Powder-coated steel, glass mosaic, blown glass

Dimensions: 11' H x 5' W x 4' D

Location: Bridgeport Center, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago IL

Hunters are two lacewing beetles are posed in a predatory mode as if searching for aphids, one of their favorite foods.  Lacewing beetles are absolutely critical to the health of your garden; they feed on pest insects, pollinate plants and boost soil fertility.  To encourage their presence: limit outdoor lighting as they hunt at night and leave fallen leaves in place so they can overwinter as pupae before hatching as adults in the spring. The imposing scale of this sculpture highlights these tiny and often unnoticed insects.