Taxidermy
In 2009 I began studying with a taxidermist in Pennsylvania. I found him in the phone book. Despite my being a stranger, Frank allowed me to shadow him in his basement where he ran his full-time business.
Over the past several years I have learned to skin, flesh, tan, and mount deer, clean skulls, and cast and make molds of body parts. I have also worked with coyotes, bear, foxes, fish, and birds and have accompanied Frank to taxidermy conventions and competitions.
Over the past several years I have learned to skin, flesh, tan, and mount deer, clean skulls, and cast and make molds of body parts. I have also worked with coyotes, bear, foxes, fish, and birds and have accompanied Frank to taxidermy conventions and competitions.
Helping Frank judge West Virginia's 2010 competition
Transcriptions
Frank was an avid hunter and described his experience as a metaphysical process. The stillness of waiting produced hyper sensitivity which allowed him to become practically dissolve into his surroundings. I was fascinated by this complete and conscious act. On separate occasions I asked permission to tape record him and later transcribed the sessions in a notebook.
