Nessa Darcy Creative Entomologist

My mission is to reintroduce humans to their natural habitat through colourful encounters with insects, one of the most diverse and underappreciated group of living things. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, I aim to promote and conserve insect wildlife through my ecological and artistic practices:

• Art with a focus on biodiversity and community.

• Heritage In Schools - bug-centric learning sessions for primary school classes.

• Insect surveys for county councils, land owners and anyone interested in finding out what lives at a site and how to conserve it.

• NIMBY (Nature In My Backyard) - educational entomological experiences in the comfort of your own home and garden!

I'm open to requests, suggestions and collaborations! Just drop me a line.

Experience and Qualifications

I have built my range of insect-related activities on years of creative practice and scientific research in Ireland and abroad. I am equipped with Public Liability, Employer's Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, and Child Protection training.

Ecology

• Currently coordinating the Dublin Bay Biosphere Action Project

• Moth and butterfly surveys for Coole Eco-Community, Co. Offaly

• MSc Biodiversity and Conservation, Trinity College Dublin

• Insect surveys, South Dublin and Fingal County Councils

• Heritage in Schools panel, 2018 - present

• Conservation Research Assistant, SEED Madagascar

• Entomological Research Assistant, Legume Futures, TCD

• Volunteer Leader, OWLS Children's Nature Charity

• Social media, leader and board, Dublin Naturalists' Field Club

• SAC Watch training course, Irish Wildlife Trust

Art

• Currently under the mentorship of Bee Time, funded by the Arts Council

• BA Fine Art Print, National College of Art and Design

• Exhibitions in Ireland and abroad

• Member of Soft Blonde Moustache art collective

• Workshop Coordinator, Community Officer and Alto with Discovery Gospel Choir

• Previous member of Ormond Studios

• Bee Time Artist Residency, July 2017

• Member of Visual Artists Ireland

• Wild Postcard Project, Sainte Luce, Madagascar

All images on this site are copyright of Nessa Darcy.

Why Insects?

I have studied nature in some way or another since I was first able to walk far enough to terrorise my neighbours with a beetle. Even during my art college years most of my work was inspired by animals and plants! I strongly believe that connecting regularly with wildlife and wild places is essential for our personal wellbeing and for a society that takes care of its shared environment. Insects are a great place to start - they are all around us and they fit in the palm of the smallest hand. 

Getting to know insects puts us in touch with our own animal instincts, helping us to understand ourselves. It reveals the benefits of diversity and harmony in our society. Scientific research into the biology and ecology of insects holds answers to many of the world's environmental, engineering, medical and social problems. Insects keep our ecosystems functioning and pollinate our crops, making them essential to our survival. They're also fascinating and beautiful. No, really - look closer!

I want to get the message out there, to as many people as possible, that insects are important, awe-inspiring and deserving of our care. Get in touch and join the movement!