Spiders and Scorpions

Jason Penfold welcomes you to a rare, hands-on experience with some of nature's most feared and loved arachnids.

The Spiders & Scorpions class gives you a chance to work with two spiders and two scorpions of varying size and species. Through clear demonstrations and group tuitions, you’ll be taught how to handle entomology equipment to expertly pose and pin your specimens.

You’ll be taught 3D silicon injection, an innovative method created by Jason and used within his own art practice, to create lifelike, sculptural specimens to a museum standard. All methods are taught so that they’re easily replicated at home, ensuring your entomology journey continues well after the class.  

You'll discover the fascinating anatomy that sets arachnids apart from other invertebrates while observing Jason’s live Flinders Ranges Scorpion, named Seymour. Used as a live reference, alongside meticulous teaching, Seymour will help inspire you to bring your creations to life.

Jason’s fine art background has assisted him in developing the Spiders & Scorpions class into an engaging experience which teaches students to work with specimens in a clear, practical and dynamic way. You’ll leave the class with extensive knowledge of specimen preservation, supported by anatomical knowledge and methods of lifelike modelling, to create long-term displays to a museum standard.

Each Violet Eyes Entomology class gives students exclusive access to Jason’s curated store, filled with natural history, entomology tools and a range of unique specimens. This selection aims to provide students with something unique so that you can start your own self-made museum at home.  

Everything from tool to specimen is provided and no prior experience is needed to attend. This class is a catered event that will provide a home-cooked lunch, with dishes revolving around fresh, seasonal produce.

Violet Eyes Entomology has an ongoing commitment to ensuring practices are ecological. All classes use sustainable and renewable resources wherever possible and Jason is committed to passing on these practices to you. To support the local community, 10% of all proceeds go towards supporting young artists develop their own art practices.

Jason understands that some students may feel uncomfortable or frightened by the idea of handling the arachnids. The Spiders & Scorpions class aims to provide space and support for any student who may have any hesitations. To bust some myths, Jason recommends listening to the following podcasts:

-The arachnologist with a fear of spiders

-Ancient historian Louise Pryke on the scorpion - myths, mysteries and survival

Jason Penfold grew up in country Australia, where his love for natural history began to grow. Surrounded by plants, animals and stones, his imagination and strong connection to nature has always been a passion.

Jason's love for stones and minerals was nurtured through a family passion for Lapidary, which goes back two generations. Guided by his grandma, he has fond memories of foraging for semi precious stones in his hometown of country New South Wales. 

In 2012, Jason began teaching himself how to preserve and pin various butterflies, moths and arachnids. A continued, self-driven education in entomology has lead Jason to work with museums across Australia and the USA, as well as private collectors, on various projects and additions.

Now living in Melbourne, Australia, Jason's art practise marries his love of Lapidary and Entomology into small scale sculptures enveloped in rich symbolism and archetypal meaning.

Having previously taught Entomology in Australia and internationally, Jason now brings his own series of Entomology workshops to the public, spreading the great wonder and happiness that working so closely with nature brings.