I'm a hopeless science nerd who went to art school and whose parents think missed her calling in veterinary medicine. My childhood preoccupation with cryptozoology and anomalies of nature now manifest themselves in everything I create. In my formative years I worked predominantly with oil paint and found objects which often included mummified animal remains. These early works were shrines to the animals they incorporated, creating final resting places for them just like the dead sparrows and pet goldfish who were lavished with elaborate funerals upon their passing during my childhood. The process of preparing animal remains for use in my sculpture and abstract paintings slowly evolved into taxidermy over the years.
Minnesota Taxidermy Guild competition 2004
Head of the biology department, Dick Oehlenschlager, and myself preparing for the 2007 "members behind the scenes" open-house at the Science Museum of Minnesota
I'm a strong proponent of wildlife conservation who also participates in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in my spare time. None of the animals used in my work were killed for the purpose of using them in my art. All animal components are recycled. I utilize salvaged roadkill and discarded livestock, as well as the many animals that are donated to me. Donated animals are often casualties of the pet trade, destroyed nuisance animals/pests, or animals that died of natural causes. I adhere to a very strict "waste not, want not" policy in my studio - I recycle virtually every part of the animal in some manner.
"Got milk?" Little Rocky – one of the rescue / rehab babies
I have a deep respect and appreciation for animals and the natural world. I'm fascinated with the circle of life and intrigued with how different cultures honor their dead and deal with death. Immortalizing loved ones ( be they animals or humans ) by preserving their remains or creating sentimental remembrances out of their body parts does not sit well with the majority of western society and is unfathomable to the average thinker, yet such practices have been the norm in many cultures throughout history and still are. Undoubtedly the average American thinks such abhorrent practices are only carried out by "savages" in primitive cultures, however these practices exist in this day and age in the "civilized" world, a well known example being the mummified body parts of saints on display in Catholic Churches around the world. Point being, reverence is relative.
"Ascension" 1992: Oil paint, canvas, silver-leaf, pigeon mummy
I deal with death, in what is considered by most, an unconventional manner. I do not view a dead animal as disgusting or offensive. I think that all creatures are beautiful in death as well as in life, beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. I pay homage to them by reincarnating them in my work, creating life where before there was only death.
"Jitterbug" 2001
By incorporating my past formal art education with my passion for biology and the bizarre I have carved out a unique niche for myself in the art world. My work has been featured in numerous publications here and abroad. Some of the most notable being The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Fortune Small Business, Juxtapoz, Maxim, FHM and Bizarre magazine.
"Goth Griffin" 2004, As featured in The New York Times
I now specialize in creating fictional composite-animal mounts and sideshow gaffs. I cater to everyone from sideshow exhibitors and tattoo shop proprietors, to discerning collectors of fine art. My work resides in prestigious collections around the world, including Oceanopolis Cultural Center in Brittany France and the Genva Museum of Natural History in Switzerland. Some people call what I do sick, some call it eccentric. Some call it repulsive, some call it beautiful. You can call it whatever you want…… I call it art.
www.CustomCreatureTaxidermy.com
At home among my beloved pets
The Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists
The Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists ( M.A.R.T ) is an artist collective of individuals who share a common philosophy and passion. The group was formed in 2004 with fellow artists and visionaries Robert Marbury and Scott Bibus, hence spearheading what has become a Rogue Taxidermy movement as the term "Rogue Taxidermy" was introduced for the first time. The group was created as a means to connect with other artists working in taxidermy related mediums and has since proven to be an invaluable resource for networking with others working in this realm. All members adhere to a strict ethics charter, using only animals procured in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. Our mission is to bring like-minded artists together from here and abroad to unite under the genre Rogue Taxidermy, and in doing so, gain recognition for this genre in the mainstream art world. But most importantly M.A.R.T. is in existence to create dialogue, evoke thought, educate, and expand people's horizons. We are here to exchange ideas with not only other artists, but anyone who is interested in this art form. We invite you to join us.
Please visit www.RogueTaxidermy.com