{"id":94593,"date":"2013-05-28T04:22:37","date_gmt":"2013-05-28T08:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.immortalitymedicine.tv\/anatomy\/the-victorian-art-of-hair-mourning-jewelry-new-taxidermy-classes-mermaid-parade-fundraiser-london-series-begins-morbid-anatomy-presents-this-week-and-beyond.php"},"modified":"2024-08-17T17:25:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-17T21:25:54","slug":"the-victorian-art-of-hair-mourning-jewelry-new-taxidermy-classes-mermaid-parade-fundraiser-london-series-begins-morbid-anatomy-presents-this-week-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.euvolution.com\/futurist-transhuman-news-blog\/anatomy\/the-victorian-art-of-hair-mourning-jewelry-new-taxidermy-classes-mermaid-parade-fundraiser-london-series-begins-morbid-anatomy-presents-this-week-and-beyond.php","title":{"rendered":"The Victorian Art of Hair Mourning Jewelry! New Taxidermy Classes! Mermaid Parade Fundraiser! London Series Begins! Morbid Anatomy Presents This Week and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/div>

I am delighted to announce a variety of Morbid Anatomy events taking place over the next few months.<\/p>

This Sunday, June 2nd we will be hosting our popular Victorian art of memorial hair jewelry class where students will learn to make--and leave with their very own!--piece of Victorian-inspired memorial hair jewelry. The class was inspired by our love of Victorian memorial hair jewelry, an especially beautiful expression of the Victorian cult of mourning in which he hair of the (often deceased) beloved was used in a decorative fashion to create a memorial or commemorative keepsake.<\/p>

On June 1st--the night before this class--we will be hosting a Coney Island Mermaid Parade benefit party. All proceeds from this special \"Mermaids of the Gowanus\" evening will go towards Coney Island USA's Kickstarter campaign to save this year's Hurricane Sandy-endangered annual parade. The event will feature burlesque, belly dancing and a silent auction. Due to space limitations, tickets must be pre-purchased; details on that below.<\/p>

If this does not interest: on Thursday, June 13, we will host Denny Daniel of The Museum of Interesting Things<\/a> for a demonstration antique quack medical devices from his collection, while on Thursday, June 6 we will have an illustrated lecture with professor Eric G Wilson<\/a> about the history and science of \"morbid curiosity\" (June 6). We also have a new taxidermy class: Guinea Pig Taxidermy Class  with Rogue Taxidermist Katie Innamorato on Sunday, June 9, and a newly added Bat Dome Workshop (Sunday, June 16) as well as a variety of classes in taxidermy, anthropomorphic insect shadow boxes, and Dance of Death linocuts.<\/p>

Also, for UK-based readers, don't miss our special 2-month series of events, workshops, special backstage tours, screenings and spectacles surveying the interstices of art and medicine, death and culture beginning this Sunday, June 2, and running through July 25 at The Last Tuesday Society<\/a> in London. <\/p>

<\/div>
Full details for all follow. Hope to see you at one or more of these terrific events!<\/div><\/div>
____________________________________________________<\/b><\/div>
\"\"<\/a>Morbid Anatomy Presents: Mermaids of the Gowanus: A Benefit Variety Show for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade<\/b>
Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time:  7pm
Admission: $15
Free Crispin Cider from 7 to 9.30
Very limited space; must pre-purchase ticket to attend: http:\/\/mermaidsofthegowanus.bpt.me\/<\/a>

Superstorm Sandy has damaged the seashore and so much of our beloved Coney Island—let’s not let her rain on our Mermaid Parade! As an attempt to give a boost to Coney Island USA's Kickstarter campaign before the deadline, Morbid Anatomy invites all you sea creatures for a night of wonders in our toxic canal!<\/p>

Come and join us for decadent burlesque and sideshow hosted by the Lady Aye, with legendary performer Todd Robbins, Miss Cherry Delight, Alfie Bunz, Charles Stunning, Heather Whatever, theatrical belly-dance company Desert Sin, and a silent auction featuring donations from James Taylor (Shocked and Amazed!), taxidermist Wilder Duncan, photographer J.R Pepper, Shannon Taggart and many more!<\/p>

Silent auction is cash only.<\/p>

the Gowanus: A Benefit Variety Show for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

 ____________________________________________________<\/b>
<\/span>
<\/a><\/p>

\"\"<\/a>Class: The Victorian Art of Hair Jewelry with Art Historian and Master Jeweler Karen Bachmann<\/a> <\/a><\/b><\/b><\/div>
Date: Sunday, June 2<\/div>
Time: 12-4 PM<\/div>
Admission: $75<\/div>
***Must pre-order tickets here: http:\/\/victorianmourningjewelry.bpt.me<\/a><\/div>
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy<\/a><\/div>
<\/div>
Hair jewelry was an enormously popular form of commemorative art that began in the late 17th century and reached its zenith during the Victorian Era. Hair, either of someone living or deceased, was encased in metal lockets or woven to enshrine the human relic of a loved one. This class will explore a modern take on the genre.<\/div>
<\/div>
The technique of \"palette working\" or arranging hair in artful swoops and curls will be explored and a variety of ribbons, beads, wire and imagery of mourning iconography will be supplied for potential inclusion. A living or deceased person or pet may be commemorated in this manner.<\/div>
<\/div>
Students are requested to bring with them to class their own hair, fur, or feathers; all other necessary materials will be supplied. Hair can be self-cut, sourced from barber shops or hair salons (who are usually happy to provide you with swept up hair), from beauty supply shops (hair is sold as extensions), or from wig suppliers. Students will leave class with their own piece of hair jewelry and the knowledge to create future projects.<\/div>

Karen Bachmann<\/a> is a fine jeweler with over 25 years experience, including several years on staff as a master jeweler at Tiffany and Co. She is a Professor in the Jewelry Design Dept at Fashion Institute of Technology as well as the School of Art and Design at Pratt Institute. She has recently completed her MA in Art History at SUNY Purchase with a thesis entitled Hairy Secrets:..<\/i>. In her downtime she enjoys collecting biological specimens, amateur taxidermy and punk rock. 
<\/a>____________________________________________________<\/b><\/div>
\"\"<\/a>Morbid Curiosity, or Everyone Loves a Good Train Wreck: Why We Can't Look Away<\/b>
An Illustrated Lecture and Book Signing with author Eric G. Wilson
Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 8:00
Admission: $5
Produced by Morbid Anatomy<\/a>

\"Why can’t we look away? Whether we admit it or not, we’re fascinated by evil. Dark fantasies, morbid curiosities, Schadenfreude: As conventional wisdom has it, these are the symptoms of our wicked side, and we succumb to th
em at our own peril. But we’re still compelled to look whenever we pass a grisly accident on the highway, and there’s no slaking our thirst for gory entertainments like horror movies and police procedurals. What makes these spectacles so irresistible? Author Eric G. Wilson attempts to discover the source of our morbid fascinations, drawing on the findings of biologists, sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, philosophers, theologians, and artists. A professor of English with a penchant for Poe as well as a lifelong student of the macabre, Wilson believes there’s something nourishing in darkness. He believes that to repress death is to lose the feeling of life, and that a closeness to death discloses our most fertile energies.<\/p>

Eric G Wilson<\/a> is Thomas H. Pritchard Professor of English at Wake Forest University and author of several books that explore the power of life's darker sides, including Everyone Loves a Good Train Wreck: Why We Can't Look Away<\/i><\/a>; Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy;<\/i> and The Mercy of Eternity: A Memoir of Depression and Grace. <\/i><\/p>

____________________________________________________<\/b><\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/b>Guinea Pig Taxidermy Class - Intro to Basic Taxidermy with Rogue Taxidermist Katie Innamorato<\/b>Date: Sunday, June 9
Time: 12 – 6:30 PM
Price: $150
Email: katie.innamorato(at)gmail(dot)com<\/a> or afterlifeanatomy(at)gmail(dot)com<\/a> to sign up.
This class is part of  The Morbid Anatomy Art Academ<\/a>y<\/a><\/b><\/p>

This class will introduce students to the process and techniques behind basic taxidermy. Students will learn how to skin, prep, preserve, mount, and position the animal. The class instructor will provide all specimens, materials, and tools for the class. Each student will leave with their own finished mount!<\/p>

***Nothing was harmed for this class, these animals were raised to feed large reptiles and would otherwise be discarded if not sold.<\/p>

Katie Innamorato<\/a>, artist and Rogue Taxidermist, is a member of the M.A.R.T. or Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. She is professionally and self taught in taxidermy; winning awards and ribbons every year at the GSTA. She explores the commercial relationships between animals and our society and her work questions the idea of bringing nature inside. She also examines the cyclical connections between life and death, and growth and decomposition. As with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens. She uses roadkill, scrap skins from other taxidermists and the garment industry, and donated skins to create her artworks; almost every part of the animal is utilized.
Her work has been featured recently on the new Science Channel show, \"Odd Folks Home,\" on the hit Science and Discovery Channel TV show, \"Oddities,\" and exhibited at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.<\/p>

Her website and blogs-
http:\/\/www.afterlifeanatomy.com<\/a>
http:\/\/www.afterlifeanatomy.tumblr.com<\/a>
http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/afterlifeanatomy<\/a>
http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/afterlifeanatomy<\/a>

<\/b>____________________________________________________<\/b><\/p>

\"\"<\/a>\"It Hurts When I Do This\" An illustrated History of Quack Medicine through the Artifacts of The Museum of Interesting Things   <\/b>
Antique Medical Device Demonstration with Denny Daniel, The Museum of Interesting Things<\/a>
Date: Thursday, June 13
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: $8
Presented by Morbid Anatomy<\/a><\/p>

In the handful of centuries documented by mankind, medicine evolved through discovery and practice, with each era experimenting with the technology of its time in a quest to understand the human machine, suppress pain, and vanquish disease and, perhaps, death itself. Some of the techniques employed by our relentless ancestors now seem rather odd, inappropriate or, sometimes, just... brutal.<\/p>

Tonight, join us for a night of bizarre health machinery hosted by Denny Daniel, proud collector and owner of The Museum of Interesting Things<\/a>. Daniel will trace the evolution--or, sometimes, lack thereof!-- of medical devices advances via an interactive demonstration of objects from his own collection ranging from magnetic quack medical devices to prosthetics, glass eyes and civil war and early 20th century surgical tools, dental devices including tooth keys and 19th century foot pump dental drills, pill molds, and medicines that worked (or didn’t)!<\/p>

Come see and feel actual items from the 1800’s and 1900’s. We will cure you of your ailments.<\/p>

____________________________________________________<\/b><\/div>

<\/p>

\"\"<\/a>Bat in Glass Dome Workshop<\/b><\/div>
Part of DIY Wunderkammer Series: With Wilder Duncan (formerly of Evolution Shop, Soho) and Laetitia Barbier, head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library
<\/a><\/div>
With Wilder Duncan<\/a> (formerly of Evolution Store<\/a>, Soho) and Laetitia Barbier<\/a>, head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library<\/a><\/div>
Date: Sunday, June 16<\/div>
Time: 1 – 6 PM<\/div>
Admission: $200<\/div>
*** MUST RSVP to morbidanatomylibrary [at] gmail.com<\/a><\/div>
This class is part of the DIY Wunderkammer Series<\/a> and The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy<\/a><\/div>
<\/div>
In this class, students will learn how to create an osteological preparation of a bat in the fashion of 19th century zoological displays. A bat skeleton, a glass dome, branches, glue, tools, and all necessary materials
will be provided for each student, but one should feel welcome to bring small feathers, stones, dried flowers, dead insects, natural elements, or any other materials s\/he might wish to include in his\/her composition. Students will leave the class with a visually striking, fully articulated, “lifelike” bat skeleton posed in a 10” tall glass dome. This piece can, in conjunction with the other creations in the DIY Wunderkammer workshop series, act as the beginning of a genuine collection of curiosities!<\/div>
<\/div>
This class is part of the DIY Wunderkammer workshop series<\/a>, curated by Laetitia Barbier<\/a> and Wilder Duncan<\/a> for Morbid Anatomy as a creative and pluridisciplinary exploration of the Curiosity Cabinet. The classes will focus on teaching ancient methods of specimen preparation that link science with art: students will create compositions involving natural elements and, according to their taste, will compose a traditional Victorian environment or a modern display. More on the series can be found here<\/a>.<\/div>
<\/div>
Wilder Duncan<\/a> is an artist whose work puts a modern-day spin on the genre of Vanitas still life. Although formally trained as a realist painter at Wesleyan University, he has had a lifelong passion for, and interest in, natural history. Self-taught rogue taxidermist and professional specimen preparator, Wilder worked for several years at The Evolution Store creating, repairing, and restoring objects of natural historical interest such as taxidermy, fossils, seashells, minerals, insects, tribal sculptures, and articulated skeletons both animal and human. Wilder continues to do work for private collectors, giving a new life to old mounts, and new smiles to toothless skulls.<\/div>
<\/div>
Laetitia Barbier<\/a> is the head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library<\/a>. She is working on a master's thesis for the Paris Sorbonne on painter Joe Coleman. She writes for Atlas Obscura<\/a> and Morbid Anatomy<\/a>.<\/div>
<\/div>
____________________________________________________<\/b><\/div>

\"\"<\/a>Squirrel Taxidermy and the Ancient Technique of Wrapped Body with Rogue Taxidermist Katie Innamorato<\/b>
Date: Sunday, June 23
Time: 12 - 6.30
Admission: $275
***Maximum class size: 8 Students; Must RSVP to katie.innamorato [at] gmail.com<\/a>
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy<\/a><\/p>

This class will introduce students to basic taxidermy processes. As with other classes, this is only open to 8 students to allow for a more intimate one on one environment. Each student will be provided with their own squirrel which they will skin, flesh, and prep for mounting. Students will be taught how to wrap bodies for the animals using the carcasses for reference. Wrapping is an old school traditional taxidermy process that many taxidermists do not bother with today. Pre-sculpted head forms will be available for students, but if they are feeling more adventurous they can carve their own! Students will be able to pose their squirrels however they want and are encouraged to bring in any props they may want to dress the animal up in, and items to secure their mounts on. Animal remains will be collected at the end of class and either the students can take them with them, or the instructor will dispose of them.<\/p>

Rogue taxidermist Katie Innamorato<\/a> has a BFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz, has been featured on the hit TV show \"Oddities,\" and has had her work featured at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles, California. She is self and professionally taught, and has won multiple first place ribbons and awards at the Garden State Taxidermy Association Competition. Her work is focussed on displaying the cyclical connection between life and death and growth and decomposition. Katie is a member of the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists, and with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens and uses roadkill, scrap, and donated skins to create mounts.<\/p>

Her website and blogs-
http:\/\/www.afterlifeanatomy.com<\/a>
http:\/\/www.afterlifeanatomy.tumblr.com<\/a>
http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/afterlifeanatomy<\/a>
http:\/\/www.etsy.com\/shop\/afterlifeanatomy<\/a><\/p>

 ____________________________________________________<\/b><\/p>

\"\"<\/a>Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class with Divya Anantharaman<\/b>
Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 6:30 - 10 PM
Admission: $110
Advance Tickets Required; Click here<\/a> to purchase
Email divya.does.taxidermy at gmail dot com<\/a> with questions or to be put on wait list
Class limit: 10
This class is part of the Morbid Anatomy Art Academy<\/a><\/p>

Anthropomorphic taxidermy--in which taxidermied animals are posed into human attitudes and poses--was an artform made famous by Victorian taxidermist and museologist Walter Potter. In this class, students will learn to create--from start to finish--anthropomorphic mice inspired by the charming and imaginative work of Mr. Potter and his ilk. With the creative use of props and some artful styling, you will find that your mouse can take nearly whatever form you desire, from a bespectacled, whiskey swilling, top hat tipping mouse to a rodent mermaid queen of the burlesque world.<\/p>

In this class, Divya Anantharaman--who learned her craft under the tutelage of famed Observatory instructor Sue Jeiven<\/a>--will teach students everything involved in the production of a fully finished mount, including initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. Once properly preserved, the mice will be posed and outfitted as the student desires. Although a broad selection of props and accessories will be provided by the instructor, students are also strongly encouraged to bring their own accessories and bases; all other materials will supplied. Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.<\/p>

Also, some technical notes:<\/p>