Date: Sunday, June 8th
Time: 12 – 6 PM
Offsite*** Morbid Anatomy Museum ( New Location ) : 424A 3rd Ave, Corner of 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Admission: $200
*** Purchase tickets by clicking here.
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
From Victorian curiosity cabinets to Coney Island sideshows, gaff making has held it’s place in history, and our hearts. This class will teach students of all levels everything they need to know about proper small mammal taxidermy technique and the details that make a gaff truly convincing-or comical! Students are encouraged to get creative. Having been commissioned to work on natural oddities (like two faced or ‘Janus’ kittens) and supernatural freaks (conjoined chicken gaff), the instructor will draw upon her experience to help students create memorable mounts.
Students will learn everything involved in the production of a fully finished taxidermy mount, including initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. Forms will be built using the tried and true traditional method of wrapped body, and various techniques will be presented for re-building or carving heads. Once properly preserved, the rats will be posed and outfitted as the student desires. Although a broad selection of props and accessories will be provided by the instructor, students are also welcome to bring their own accessories and bases; all other materials will supplied.
Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, 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.
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. After a journey through 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. A trophy winner in the 2013 Philadelphia Alt Taxidermy competition, she has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as Vice/Fringes, The NY Times, The Cut, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. 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 and sanitary equipment.
- All animals are disease free.
- Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a strong constitution and maturity are necessary. We will be seeing meat. 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.