Tag: science

Resident taxidermists of Morbid Anatomy Museum road trip to Toronto, March 2016 to hold Jackalope shoulder mount workshop & Squirrel workshop

Katie Innamorato is a Taxidermist in Residence at the Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn NY. She is professionally trained in taxidermy; winning awards and ribbons every year at the Garden State Taxidermist Association competition and convention. She strives to teach proper, professional, traditional techniques to students all over the US and internationally. She is also a rogue taxidermist; being a member of the M.A.R.T. or Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. As with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens. She uses roadkill, frozen feeders, scrap skins from other taxidermists and the garment industry, pet industry casualties, nuisance animals, and donated skins to create her artworks; almost every part of the animal is utilized.

Her work has been featured on the hit Science and Discovery Channel TV show, “Oddities,” and the spin off show, “Odd Folks Home.” She has exhibited work at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA, among other galleries and museums. She was recently featured on VICE and in the book Taxidermy Art by Robert Marbury. She has also done lectures and demonstrations at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and at the Institute Library in Connecticut.

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

Friends Forever Taxidermy & Afterlife Anatomy roadtrip to Toronto! 

The studio is excited to announce the return of Friends Forever Taxidermy, Divya Anantharaman the weekend of March 11th thru 13th 2016! Divya is bringing her friend and fellow taxidermist in residence at Morbid Anatomy Museum along for dual-taught workshops!
Friday evening, March 11th: Beginning Entomology; Beetles & Moths 6:30-9:30pm 10 person max. $80pp
In this class, students will learn everything about basic insect 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 insects; Beetles & Moths, 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. We will also cover how to select museum quality materials for displays.

As always, all specimen are ethically sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted insects 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 beetle & moth, a spreading board that can be used for future projects, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box or display case to transport their pieces. Mounting its, mounting pins and various insects are available at the studio for purchase.

Saturday, March 12th noon to 6pm Jackalope shoulder mounts
EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate 
Limited class size of 8 people, $340pp

This class will introduce students to basic small mammal taxidermy, focusing on the skinning, prepping, and sculpting techniques specific to the face. We will cover splitting lips, thinning noses, turning ears, and other techniques to successfully set a face. Each student is provided with their own specimen which they will skin, flesh, prep, mount, and groom. We will go through the process of carving busts for each mount, how to attach antlers, and will discuss taxidermy techniques that can be used for projects larger and smaller. Carcasses will be used for reference and available to students if they want them. Further preservation processes will be discussed as well; tanning, mummification, wet specimens, bone cleaning, etc. Everything is supplied and students do not need any prior experience for this class. Each student will leave with their own finished piece and the knowledge to create their own in the future. 

Sunday, March 13th; noon to 7pm Squirrel mounts
EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate
Limited class size of 8 people, $440pp

This class will cover both beginner and advanced techniques used in small mammal taxidermy from start to finish. Students will learn proper skinning and fleshing procedures, how to split, turn and position facial features, including the ears, proper dry preservation, and the traditional methods of building a form using wrapped body, carving the head, and the carcass as reference. Students can pose their squirrel in an anthropomorphic or naturalistic style, and are welcome to bring props if they choose. A small selection of props will be provided, and instruction on how to create your own props, such as top hats, monocles, and squirrel sized clothes, will also be provided, along with materials to make antlers, horns, or tentacles. Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.

Refunds are not available for these special guest instructors. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Divya Anantharaman is a Morbid Anatomy Museum Taxidermist in Residence and a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science. With a combination of self and professional training, and an inspiring class (Sue Jeiven’s popular Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class at Observatory!), she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. 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 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

Katie Innamorato is a Morbid Anatomy Museum Taxidermist in Residence. She has a BFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz, has been featured on the hit TV show “Oddities,” and has had her work featured at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles, California. She is self and professionally taught, and has won multiple first place ribbons and awards at the Garden State Taxidermy Association Competition. Her work is focussed on displaying the cyclical connection between life and death and growth and decomposition. Katie is a member of the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists, and with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens and uses roadkill, scrap, and donated skins to create mounts.
Her website – http://www.afterlifeanatomy.com

Some technical notes:
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 ethically sourced- nothing was killed for this class. Animals used in this class are discards from the feeder/pet food industry, naturally deceased, or discards from the food service industry.

Please do not bring any raw dead animals with you to the class.

**Current discounts do not apply to guest instructor workshops.