Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 1 pm - 5pm
Admission: $435
Location: Offsite: Morbid Anatomy Museum (New Space) , 424 A 3rd Avenue ( Corner of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue ), 11215 Brooklyn , NY
Subway: 4th Av - 9th Street (R - F - G)
Limited class size of 3 people
***Tickets must be pre-ordered here
In this exclusive intermediate level workshop, we learn about the melanistic pheasant and classic bird taxidermy. These large, beautiful birds are a mutation of the common pheasant, first observed in the 1800s, and bred as a mutation in the 1920′s/30′s. Known for their unique coloration, exquisitely patterned feathers and iridescent green/black/purple plumage, these are very special birds!
This 2 day intensive class will be extremely hands on, covering everything from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and grooming feathers, to the dynamics of classically wrapped bird bodies, dealing with bird necks, cleaning and wiring wing bones, and re-attaching feet. Day 1 will cover skinning, cleaning, and skin preparation, and wrapping bodies, Day 2 will focus on fitting forms, sewing, and posing. We will also explore different carding techniques, and the variables in controlling the drying process.
Due to the intimate nature of the class, students will be able to follow along as I work, seeing the techniques in action, with plenty of individual attention. It is highly recommended that students have had previous taxidermy class experience. Reference photos for finished standing and flying poses will be provided for use and inspiration in class. Students will go home with their creations, and instructions for maintaining their pieces (keeping feathers clean, ideal drying set-ups, etc) This will be a truly one of a kind experience!
Also, some technical notes:
We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
All materials are provided, including gloves and sterilized equipment.
Student will leave with a fully finished mount, and the knowledge to create small taxidermy pieces on their own.
All animals are disease free.
Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a certain level of maturity is necessary.
All animals were already dead, nothing is 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.
Divya Anantharaman 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 atwww.d-i-v-y-a.com