Q: Do you hunt/trap?
A: No, I have never taken up hunting or trapping.
Q: Where do you get all of the skulls, bones, leather fur and feathers you use for your artwork?
A:
I get all of my supplies from taxidermists, hunters, and trappers around the country. I also buy them on eBay.
Q: Why do you paint primarily on skulls & bones?
A: I've always loved art and nature, so I enjoy
putting my two passions together. As odd as it may sound, bone is a wonderful canvas. Mankind has been painting and carving
bone for thousands of years, in many cases for spiritual purposes.
Q: What type of paint do you use?
A: I use only acrylic. Oil paints tend to seep into the bone.
Q: What bones do you paint on besides skulls?
A: Primarily shoulder blades and jawbones. Shoulder
blades have a perfect surface for painting, and they are also naturally free standing. Jawbones make excellent wall-hangings,
large or small. However, all bones can be used in some way with a little imagination. I also sometimes pain other odds and
ends, such as old saw blades & other tools, and I have also begun exploring painting on canvas.
Q: Aren't some people a bit grossed out by bones?
A: Yes, my art is not for everyone. I try not to
take offense when someone thinks my canvases are gross. I understand some folks are squeamish about skulls, and I respect
that. Others may be offended that I paint on animal bones, thinking that I don't care about animals. On the contrary, I have
great love and respect for all animals, and I often use bones that would otherwise be thrown in the trash. I support wildlife
and habitat conservation, and I also believe that hunting and trapping are an important part of wildlife management.
Q:Do you do skull cleaning?
A: Not currently, though I have in the past. I hope to open a taxidermy
business within three years, and I will then offer beetle skull cleaning services.
