In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing. Students will watch a skinning and fleshing demonstration, and proceed to work with professionally cleaned, fleshed, and tanned skins. This will allow the students to focus on the finer details of creating a finished piece, and practice specific mounting techniques, like wiring, fitting and modifying a form, sewing, assembly, grooming, and feathering. We will discuss how to use reference and study anatomy practically for taxidermy.
Please note-like all classes, this class is welcoming to beginners. However, pigeons are very delicate, so it is suggested that students have had some previous bird taxidermy experience, or come prepared with lots of patience.
Our subject will be the pigeon, Columbia livia, also known as the rock dove. These birds are abundant in NYC and many other cities, introduced in the 1600s to serve as livestock, companions, and even urban beautification. However, cultural shifts caused them to fall out of favor. Still, we love and revere them, and they are indisputably iconic! Their unwavering tenacity reflects a larger truth across species, making the best of a situation they’ve found themselves in. They are one of few birds that are not protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a pigeon taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
Note:
- All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. If you would prefer masks be worn in class, please contact Coursehorse directly at least 5 days before the class so they can notify students. The school is happy to uphold this policy and provide KN95 masks for students who may not have them.
- For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum, candy, or food of any kind in class. Drinks in a container with a lid are ok! Students can take as many breaks needed to step outside of class to eat.
- NO smoking in class, including vapes, e-cigs, flavored air, or any other device. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can step outside to smoke as much as needed.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes, something you would wear for an art class or woodworking class. If you wear glasses, please bring them.
- All specimens legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
- By signing up for class, you recognize the risks associated with a taxidermy class-working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling. You agree to follow the instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.
- All students must be over 18 unless accompanied by an adult chaperone. Please email hello@coursehorse to discuss.
- Please feel free to bring your own props, adornments, or items for your mount. Please do not bring your own raw specimens to the class.
- Please note that all specimens in class have been professionally prepared by me-from skinning, cleaning, to tanning, and only the best condition specimens are selected for students ease and enjoyability. However, as specimens have passed from natural or unavoidable causes, there may be scars, small holes, damaged bones, chipped feathers, or other slight variations that are inherent with deceased animals, especially as many animals are found dead. These are not animals killed in prime plumage, and so “perfection” is not guaranteed. Animals are unique individuals, sourcing sustainably has inherent inconsistency, so there is no guarantee of specimen color, sex, size, or other elements. My practice is based on appreciating the animal as a unique individual, and not as a trophy.
- Please bring a small box or bag to transport your pieces.
