Conor O'Connell

Below are some examples of taxidermy pieces completed by me.

 

I try not to see this as completely separate to my art practice because it really does go hand in hand with my wildlife art especially and has taught me a great deal about anatomy, movement etc. Taxidermy in my opinion is a hugely underrated and misunderstood art form- combining the skills of painting, sculpture, carpentry and biology. I have always been fascinated by dioramas and things 'behind glass' and I enjoy re-creating habitats as much as the wildlife itself. I tend to see taxidermy as '3d painting' and just as with painting, composition is a very important element. 

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The birds and animals below have either been sourced from road casualties or given to me by shooters. Nothing is killed for the sole purpose of taxidermy.