Ethical Taxidermy Sculpture

These sculptural works represent my ongoing ethical taxidermy series, initiated during my undergraduate studies at Ohio State University. The masks serve as both structural and totemic interpretations of ethical taxidermy, reflecting a deep reverence for animals and the natural world — elements that have always been central to my artistic practice. Each piece is meticulously crafted and unique, constructed from soft, supple leather or found textiles that are carefully manipulated and applied over a wire armature. This labor-intensive process involves deliberate arrangement and placement of materials to evoke lifelike features and expressions.

As the series has evolved, I have incorporated vintage and found textiles alongside leather and wire, enriching the textural and visual complexity of the works. The addition of weaving, gold leaf, colored leather, paper, painting, and exposed wire elements introduces new dimensions and variations within the forms, enhancing their totemic presence and conceptual depth. Through this series, I continue to explore the intersection of materiality, craft, and ethical reflection on our relationship with the natural world.