The 27th Annual Piedmont Mini-Course

TAXIDERMY HAS IMPROVED tremendously in the past decade. Taxidermists are focusing on the most important aspects of the industry and are now, more than ever, wildlife artists. The taxidermists that succeed are those who have firsthand experience with live subjects and who educate themselves in the anatomy and physiology of animals. Taxidermists have learned to focus on their special interest areas, and to develop their knowledge and talents.The true artist defines himself with his extensive collection of reference material and plenty of "one-on-one" with the animals. There is no substitute for having the right photography and firsthand experience in this business. It is easy to fall short of realism when working without live reference photos. Today taxidermists often have live animals that they raise and study, because taxidermy is truly their art and passion.

Experts in the field of taxidermy have spent exhaustive time researching and examining live animals. They won't settle for anything less than the most realistic and accurate re-creations they can possibly achieve. They have set the standard for the finest in the industry and also seek to constantly improve. That is why they have been determined to create realistic and anatomically accurate glass eyes. As an example, Joe Coombs insisted on having glass eyes that met his standards for white-tailed deer and developed a glass eye with nictitating membrane to meet his stringent demands for correct anatomy. Ken Walker won "Best in World" with his wolves in 1999, using custom-painted glass eyes.

Joe Meder saw room for improvement in Tohickon's IQ series and worked tirelessly to develop a true anatomical shape and range of realistic colors in a new eye. Taxidermist Jan Van Hoesen worked on a better bobcat eye with a variety of pupil sizes and a more accurate shape. Another expert, Rick Carter, wanted to improve the shape of wild boar eyes and today they are, hands-down, the best boar eyes available. The true wildlife artists demand the best for themselves, and their reputations prove it. They know that the eyes of the animal are vital in capturing expression and realism in a mount.

A competitor's knowledge of the eyes.....

...Continued in the Spring 2002 Issue of Breakthrough.

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