Description
Inspiration for my European Rhinoceros Beetle Ornament
My love of modelling beetles started with my dad badgering me to sculpt him a Stag Beetle. This resulted in my surprisingly popular Stag Beetle Pendant (called Stanley). My husband then bought me a book of 800 amazing beetles and that was it – I was hooked! The prompt for the rhino beetle again came from my dad – but which type should I choose? Although my dad obviously wanted a rhinoceros beetle ornament, my jewellery passion meant that the species also had to be right for a pendant. And some would have been absolutely lethal to wear!
I love the fact that the European Rhinoceros Beetle is a little understated, but at the same time has real character. I admit it was a bit of a demon to model – as I struggled to envisage the actual contours of the head from photographs. But it was worth the struggle. Once finished, seeing as my stag beetle was Stanley, I asked my children what my rhino beetle should be called. My young son suggested “Bob” – it wasn’t what I had in mind but it made me laugh – so my rhino beetle is called Bob!
