Small Town News

The art of taxidermy

---

Taxidermy is the art of preserving animal skins and mounting them in a lifelike state for exhibition.

Few people consider taxidermy an art form; some may even consider it down right creepy. But according to entrepreneur Dan Rannells of LeRoy, it takes a great deal of artistic talent to combine biology and science into a

lifeless remnant in a way that recaptures the very essence of that creature.

Creating a detailed, realistic and life-like mount involves more than an aptitude for sculpting and painting. Since the goal is to preserve the life-like qualities of an animal, it requires an understanding of biology and anatomy, as well.

"It's definitely an art form. It takes artistic ability to create a mount that looks realistic--especially for competitive taxidermy, "said Rannells. "They score you on

accuracy, composition, and detail. The more detail you incorporate into the work, the more life-like it becomes. That's the goal, to make it look as realistic as possible and capture the spirit of the animal."

"Some of the mounts entered in state competitions are breathtaking, "he added.

Rannells' first experience with taxidermy came from his grandfather, Carl Brink, who got his taxidermy license through mail order classes when he was 60 years old.

"Every time I went down to visit my grandfather he was working on something, "Rannells remembered. "I really liked it, so I would help him out."

Brink was concerned a lot of wildlife might not be around much longer due to over hunting and loss of habitat, so he began mounting animals to preserve for future generations.

"He made a rug out of a cat, mounted deer heads, antelope, chipmunks, squirrels and even striped skunks, which are endangered now. One time he did a buffalo for

the town celebration at Buffalo Days in Arian Iowa, "said Rannells.

Rannells' grandfather tried a few unique experiments from time to time, too.

"There weren't many bluebirds around at that time, "said Rannells. "So he would take sparrows and try to dye them blue to make them look like bluebirds. That didn't work very well."

Rannells wanted to pursue a career in commercial taxidermy, but couldn't find the time to go to school.

"I took a couple mini courses over the weekends,

but most schools required you go full time. I didn't have time, "said Rannells.

It's common for taxidermists to learn their art by working as apprentices to experienced taxidermists. That seemed to be the best option for Rannells.

"I went around to local taxidermists and talked a couple of them into giving me on-the-job training. I had to pay them, of course, but I felt the best way to learn was to go through someone who does it professionally, "Rannells explained.

"Artistic Smitty's

Taxidermy in Spring Valley taught me quite a bit, "said Rannells. "He does a lot of African stuff and showed me how to do African game and other big animals. I did quite a few elk and some bear. I also did smaller animals and birds."

Rannells gained a lot of hands-on experience and practical knowledge, as well as making good business contacts through his apprenticeships.

He opened a store in downtown LeRoy renting the building that is now

LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts. Due to the high cost of utilities, he decided to close its doors after a short time, but continued working from his LeRoy home.

Hunters and fishermen bring in their prized deer, turkey and fish to have them stuffed and mounted for display in their homes.

There's also a market for retail taxidermy from private collections to museums to novelties, said Rannells.

"Some people just like to have something hanging on the wall. A mounted raccoon paddling a canoe is something a tavern might buy."

Estate sales often draw large crowds. Roy Rogers' famous horse, Trigger, which was preserved and mounted rearing on its hind legs in 1965, recently sold at auction for $266, 000.

Museum taxidermy

includes the art of arranging mounted animals in realistic habitat groups. The work is very detailed and extensive, including replicas of many small animals, insects, artificial plants, rocks, and even soil to create exhibits showing animals in their natural setting.

Another branch of taxidermy, known as "rogue taxidermy, "creates mythical creatures. The taxidermist creates life-like replicas of animals that do not exist.

Crypto-taxidermy is an attempt to re-create animals that are extinct, such as

dinosaurs. The mounts are based on skeletons discovered by archeologists and anthropologists.

In addition to creating traditional hunters' mounts like those seen hanging on living room walls across America, Rannells also creates special order items, such as antler lamps and raccoon hats for clients.

"I like creating, Rannels stated. "I like the fact that I can change something and make it look drastically different from where it started."

Although Rannells loves creating life-like mounts and novelty items, he admits seeing a "creepy" side to taxidermy.

"I don't do pets~it creeps me out, "he said. "If somebody desperately wanted it done, I would send it out."

There are many steps involved in creating a professional mount. First the animal's hide needs to be carefully removed and preserved through a process called tanning. Rannells then takes several measurements and chooses an anatomically correct mannequin made of polyurethane foam that is closest to the size of the animal he intends to mount.

This is where Rannells' artistic talent comes into play as he uses various tools to reshape and carve details in the mannequin and prepare it for the hide.

"To customize the position of an animal I take measurements and buy a

standard form closest in size, "said Rannells. "If a customer wants something really unique, I have to rework the form by cutting, filing and reshaping it. Or I pour my own form, shaping it to the right position and pose.

Once the mannequin is finished, Rannells needs to fit the hide onto the form. He uses a special epoxy, needles, thread and staples to carefully attach the hide to the mannequin. He inserts artificial eyes, teeth and claws, spray paints areas that

are faded, shapes facial expressions to show emotion and, finally, secures the animal to a plaque or mount.

"It's interesting to see the different types of wildlife and to create something people enjoy looking at, "said Rannells.



Copyright 2010 LeRoy Independent, LeRoy, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 LeRoy Independent LeRoy, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from LeRoy Independent