Please note this class takes place in LOS ANGELES at Memento Mori LA on November 16 2024 11:00am-6:00pm. Venue info is at https://mementomori-la.com/
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and traditional mammal taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in mammal taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
Click image to see more examples of student work.
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
All photos are student work from this class.
NEW—CLASS PAYMENT PLANS! Select Afterpay when you check out.
Students will learn everything they need to create their very own mouse 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 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 sculpting, fitting, and modifying a form, sewing, assembly, and grooming. We will discuss how to use reference and study anatomy for taxidermy.
Our subject will be the domestic mouse. Their beady eyes and furry feet dart across our parks, sidewalks, and sometimes our homes causing alarm, but domestic mice are loving companions doted on by many. These adorable mammals are lovely subjects for taxidermy, as many people have encountered them, and they can be posed naturalistically or anthropomorphically, depending on your preference. These mice are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
Mice can be posed and outfitted as the student desires, students are welcome to bring their own accessories and bases.
Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
About the instructor-
A unique combination of science and style, Divya Anantharaman is an award winning licensed professional preserving animals with honor and compassion for clients ranging from museums, designers, collectors, and everyday naturalists. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies, with a select number of commissions open for pets. Her work seeks to combine the demonstrative aspect of scientific presentation with the symbolic, introspective nature of art, using taxidermy to engage diverse audiences with conservation. She is passionately curious about the untapped potential of this scientific art, and sharing it with others. Her classes seek to demystify the taxidermy process, and make the field more accessible and engaging. She has recently starred in the Emmy winning documentary short, "Rearranging Skin". In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as NYC Plover Project and NYC Bird Alliance). You can learn more at https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/
CLASS POLICIES - PLEASE READ
All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested.
For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum 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 otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor 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 bring a small box or 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.
Please note, there are NO refunds unless the instructor reschedules or cancels the class. Once you purchase your ticket, your specimens, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. This class is part of a teaching tour, so in addition to materials, your class purchase helps cover venue and travel costs, which are also non-refundable.
Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.