APPENDIXSome Notes Toward a Manifesto for Artists Working
With and About Taxidermy AnimalsMARK DION AND ROBERT MARBURY1 Artists should follow and respect local, national, and international laws
designed to protect and foster wildlife. There should be no trafficking in
protected species. Abiding by these laws promotes wildlife conservation
and breaking these laws can result in the promotion of poaching or stiff
fines, and even jail time.
2 It is the responsibility of the artist to know the respective laws pertain-
ing to animals, not just where the artist lives but wherever the artwork
may subsequently be shown. This obligation is not superseded by the gal-
lery, art broker, or art buyer.
3 A death is a terrible thing to waste. Whenever possible (and legal) use
animal bodies that are already dead—from roadkill incidents or farm
deaths, or from euthanization at animal shelters. Needless to say, the use
of antique taxidermy is preferable if it serves the artist’s aesthetic goals.
4 Art, as a practice, can be a wasteful endeavor. When working with dead
animals, strive to use or find use for all parts of the animal. Since taxi-
dermy refers strictly to the preservation of an animal’s skin, the carcass,
organs and bones are often discarded. Look for creative uses for these
parts, and handle and dispose of any toxic or nonorganic material with care.
5 Find creative solutions to producing animals that are unavailable be-
cause of their protected status. Goat skins make excellent polar bears
and alpaca skin can substitute for grizzly bear skin, for example.