It is believed that the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can create tiny changes in the atmosphere that can ultimately alter the path of a tornado, or prevent, delay or accelerate its occurrence. We know this as the butterfly effect.

The Butterfly Project uses the butterfly as an icon for the butterfly effect, and in turn, as a metaphor for individual action. Just as the flapping of a butterfly’s wings can alter the atmosphere, a person’s positive action can have a significant ripple effect, even if we cannot know the exact pathway and extent of that effect. The butterfly’s beauty also symbolizes our deepening awareness of the need for individual actions that can help avert the disastrous collective effects of negative human interference with the environment.

In this spirit, in each of my butterfly works, I use recycled base materials that are provided by the commissioner. As I did with the bowling pins above, I deconstruct and reconstitute these materials into a unique butterfly work.

Commissioning a Butterfly My objective in establishing The Butterfly Project is to invite art lovers to participate in their organizations’ efforts to celebrate successes, enrich their settings and contribute to society. While a butterfly work can be acquired by a firm to add to an existing art collection, enhance the workplace or show appreciation, it can also be acquired jointly by a group of staff members.

In all situations and for each butterfly work commissioned, I donate 40% of the commissioned price to a charity of the commissioner’s choice. My ultimate goal is to create 1,000 butterfly works and give 1,000 donations to worthy causes.

Fee The fee for each commission is decided by the commissioner. Based on the commissioner’s budget and the recycled materials that the commissioner is able to supply, I will propose the size of work that is appropriate to the fee. Once the fee is agreed upon, the commissioner pays 30% in advance as a non-refundable deposit. A further 30% is paid halfway through the project.

The final 40% is paid upon delivery and/or installation. That 40% is signed over immediately to a registered charity of the commissioner’s choice in the name of The Butterfly Project. Because I as the artist make the charitable donation, a commissioning corporation’s purchase remains fully tax-deductible as a business expense, as is any corporate purchase of Canadian art.

I will attend the unveiling ceremony and present a small plaque that names both the beneficiary and charity: