In 2004, artists Sarina Brewer, Scott Bibus, and I established the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists (MART). What began as a consortium of three local artists interested in natural history and the showmanship of oddities quickly grew into the first international organization devoted to the medium of Rogue Taxidermy (a term first coined by MART).
Since that time the community of Rogue Taxidermists and taxidermy artists has expanded considerably. Do-it-yourself workshops have popped up in cities from Los Angeles to London, as well as in oddities shops in between. Not since the Victorian era has taxidermy been so popular.
This book has been created to address this growing interest and to serve as a source of information and inspiration, from highlighting key figures in the development of taxidermy and showcasing the most exciting artists working in this medium today to providing workshops that can serve as jumping-off points for developing your own practice.
It is an exciting time for Rogue Taxidermy, with more resources and channels available to explore than ever before. Social media have allowed taxidermy work, art, and ideas to be shared in real time, all around the world. And if you have an interest in creating art with taxidermy or taxidermy-related materials, there is no better, or easier, time to start than now.
So without further delay, let’s jump in.