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.
Our subject will be the Gouldian finch. These winged rainbows are brightly colored with a combination of black, green, yellow, and red markings. They are social birds and outside the breeding season, they often in mixed flocks of up to 1,000-2,000 individuals. Gouldian finches are native to Australia and now occur only in certain territories, however, the birds In class are domestically raised birds that have passed naturally, so can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. All animals are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a bird taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
Important to note:
- My studio is accessed by 3 flights of stairs, or a freight elevator if it is available.
- 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 me directly, I am happy to uphold this policy and provide K95 masks for all students.
- 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.
- Please note this is a working studio, and be respectful of the space, other artists, and common areas.
- 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 otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor to discuss chaperone for students under 18.
- 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 bring a small box or sturdy bag to transport your pieces.
- 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.
