
Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!

Special October evening & weekend workshops on the way!
Divya is back in TO October 23rd through 25th with new classes! PLUS- prices are in CAD 🙂
nanopod studio is hosting an evening Bug Class & 2 day Birds Weekend!
BUGS EVENING CLASS $70pp
In this class, students will learn everything about basic butterfly preparation. We will discuss harvesting and drying specimen, rehydrating dried specimen, and in class we will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance. An assortment of ethically sourced butterflies in various sizes, shapes, and colors will be provided. Students will learn how to put together and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to check for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. Students will also build their very own spreading boards for use in class and beyond. We will also cover how to select museum quality materials for displays. Display cases for finished butterflies will be provided
As always, all specimen are ethically sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted butterflies used in class, how students can ethically and legally source specimen, and suggested, reputable suppliers. If there are any excess specimen left, they will be available for students to take home for practice and future use.
Students go home with their own prepared butterfly, a spreading board that can be used for future projects, an extra butterfly for practice, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.
In this intensive 2 day workshop, we will cover all the basics of beginners taxidermy, focusing specifically on small bird taxidermy. The basics of skull cleaning and wet specimen will also be discussed. Taxidermy is a process of deconstruction and reconstruction, and this class be divided as such, giving students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the process at their own pace.
DAY 1 of the workshop will focus on deconstruction. After a review of basic bird anatomy, with a focus on skeletal structure, muscle groupings, and identifying feather growth patterns, students will use this knowledge to approach their specimen. After getting comfortable with the tools to be used, we will cover the skinning techniques unique to birds, learn how to work with delicate skin, how to repair holes if any are made, and how to clean wing and leg bones in preparation for assembly. Students will also learn the importance of thoroughly fleshing and degreasing/washing, with tips on how to ensure a skin is totally clean in order for preservatives to work effectively. The cleaned skins will be labeled with the student names and stored. Tracings, measurements, and patterns will be made from the carcass in preparation for day 2. Students can choose to take their carcass home for dissection or creating a wet specimen (instructions will be provided).
DAY 2 of the workshop will be all about reconstruction. Students will custom build a body form, based on the anatomical tracings they made on day 1, using the traditional technique of wrapped body. We will cover how to create a stable armature for the finished bird when wiring the wings and legs. Students will also learn how to sew for taxidermy, with a focus on smooth and hidden stitches. We will also cover grooming, carding, and drying techniques based on the finished pose desired. After the bird is assembled, students will be able to mount their bird on a real skull or branch, and customize the mount as they desire. With the cleaned skulls as reference, we will also discuss a number of methods for bone cleaning and assembly, and how to prepare natural materials, such as plants and branches, for use in taxidermy.
Reference photos for finished standing, sitting, and flying poses will be provided for use and inspiration in class via tablet or smartphone, although students are encouraged to bring their own. Instructions for care and maintenance will be given, and students will be instructed on how to do final finishing work after the mount dries, such as sculpting eye rings and airbrushing.
The instructor will be providing demonstrations of each step, and allowing students plenty of individual attention and opportunities to ask questions. A supply and resource list can be emailed to students. We will also cover the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other applicable laws for working with birds and legally obtaining specimens. It is advised that students bring a bag or small box to transport their finished pieces.
The birds used in this class are humanely sourced, they are naturally deceased or a byproduct of the food industry.
Divya Anantharaman is a taxidermist in residence at the Morbid Anatomy Museum in New York City. She is an artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science, and has always specialized in the arts related to leather, fur, and hide. With a combination of self and professional training, she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters, specializing in small and unusual mammals and birds. Winner of a Best in Show trophy and Best in Category ribbon at the GSTA taxidermy show and competition, her work and classes have been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, The Cut, Vice, BBC Science Radio, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. She has shown work in galleries across the U.S. and has traveled nationally and internationally to teach and lecture on both traditional and rogue taxidermy. She is also a member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association). You can find out more at www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com
Please note-
We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
Everyone will be provided with gloves and sanitary equipment.
All animals are disease free.
Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a somewhat strong constitution and maturity are necessary. We will be seeing meat. In this manner, a good taxidermist prides themselves on working cleanly!
In consideration of other students, please do not dissect carcasses in class. (You are welcome to take the carcass and dissect on your own, instruction can be provided)
All animals are sourced humanely and according to the instructors code of ethics- nothing was killed for the sole purpose this class.
Please do not bring any raw dead animals with you to the class.
Minors under 18 are allowed in class with the supervision of a parent/guardian over 18. The parent/guardian does not need to participate or buy an extra ticket if they are only there to supervise.
Purchase your ticket soon, spaces fill fast!
SO over-the-top excited for these 2015 workshops I am posting information NOW!
nanopod: Hybrid Studio is proud to present Morbid Anatomy Museum’s Taxidermist in Residence and Brooklyn based artist,
Divya Anantharaman.
Divya Anantharaman’s taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science. After a journey through self and professional training, she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. A trophy winner in the 2013 Philadelphia Alt Taxidermy competition, she has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as (watch this video!) National Geographic, The NY Times, BBC Science Radio, Vice/Fringes, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. She is also a member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association).
You can find out more at http://www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com
BIRD TAXIDERMY CLASS, April 11th 2015
12pm to 6pm, $300pp
This class is an introduction to the finer details of bird taxidermy, good for both beginners, and those with previous experience! Students will learn everything they need to know to create their very own finished piece of bird taxidermy using a quail or fancy pigeon. This class covers everything from start (raw specimen) to finish (preserved piece) and equips students with the knowledge they need to create their own pieces in the future. Ticket price includes all tools and materials for use in class, including a selection of props, accessories, and bases. Students can choose an anthropomorphic or naturalistic mount. All animals are ethically sourced- nothing was killed for this class. Animals used in this class are all legally obtained discards from the feeder/pet food industry, naturally deceased, or discards from the food service industry.
For further information, and to purchase your tickets please, visit: http://quail.splashthat.com
A WORKSHOP THAT COMBINES FASHION, ART, AND TAXIDERMY
April 12, 2015, 12pm – 6pm $250pp
Perfect for beginners, experts, or anyone in between, this class will provide students with materials and instruction to create a totally unique piece of wearable taxidermy! The class will be presented in conjunction with a short review of wearable taxidermy-from prehistoric speculation and shrunken heads, to turn of the century and Victorian fashion, and the modern role of ethics as it relates to animal products in art and fashion. All animals are ethically sourced- nothing was killed for this class. Animals used in this class are all legally obtained discards from the feeder/pet food industry, naturally deceased, or discards from the food service industry.
Using these sources of inspiration, combining historical and modern techniques, students will then design their piece-jewelry, fascinator, or other wearable item. The creations will come alive using the guidance, tips, tricks, and techniques advised by Divya, Morbid Anatomy taxidermist in residence whose wearable taxidermy designs have been featured in NY Mag’s “The Cut” and T Magazines “Top 10 of NY Fashion Week” list. Her past life as a commercial footwear and accessory designer lives on in her passion for wearable art!
In addition to a number of ethically obtained wings, feathers, and pelts, a selection of jewelry findings and hardware will be provided, along with beads, crystals, ribbons, and other decorative flourishes. Although most animal parts provided will be readily preserved and ready for use and manipulation, students will also have the option of cleaning, preparing, and preserving some parts if desired. Students are also welcome to bring their own special findings or fabrics for use in class (please do not bring your own raw or dead animals to class). A great place to let your creativity truly run wild!
For further information, and to purchase your tickets please, visit: http://wearablebirds.splashthat.com