A class with Morbid Anatomy Library Taxidermist in Residence Divya Anantharaman
Date: Sunday, December 8
Time: 1:00 PM
Admission: $85.00
*TICKETS MUST BE PRE-ORDERED AT http://skulldecoration.brownpapertickets.com/
***Offsite at The Fabricoscope (41 Willow Place, #2, 11201 Brooklyn) (MAP)
Subway: Court St, Borough Hall, Jay St. Metro Tech.
For as long as humankind has been harvesting animals for food and clothing, we have also been using their bones to create tools, utensils, and art. A timeless tradition, from ancient to modern times, the possibilities are endless, and a great way to celebrate the holidays-with a decoration for your home, or creating a handmade gift for a loved one.
In this class, we will explore the many ways we can celebrate animals and our relationship to them by decorating their skulls, bones, and other parts using a number of materials and methods. Students will be guided in decorating a small skull, antler shed, or other part of their choice (from the selection provided). In addition to an assortment of skulls, bones, and shed antlers, decorative materials provided will include beads, crystals, expertly dried plants and flowers (Divya’s signature specialty, used in her blooming skull and antler pieces), paints, finishes, and a number of other materials. Students are also welcome to bring their own design ideas or special items. There will also be inspirational images and books available for use.
This class will teach students everything involved in properly decorating bone in order to have a lasting piece, including initial cleaning, whitening and degreasing, any special preparation required based on the ornamentation of their choice, and a variety of attachment techniques. Tools and supplies will be provided for use in class.
Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
Divya Anantharaman, one of the Morbid Anatomy Library‘s “taxidermists in residence,” is a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with natural mythology and everyday oddities. After a journey filled with trial and error, numerous books, 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. Beginning with mice and sparrows, her menagerie grew to include domestic cats, woodchucks, and deer. Recently profiled on Vice Fringes, the New York Observer, and other publications, she will also be appearing in the upcoming season of Oddities-and is definitely up to no good shenanigans. You can find out more at www.d-i-v-y-a.com
Also, some technical notes:
- We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
- Everyone will be provided with gloves.
- All animals are disease free.
- Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a strong constitution is necessary; taxidermy is not for everyone
- All animals were already dead, nothing was killed for this class.
- Please do not bring any dead animals with you to the class.