2013

I am fascinated with the aesthetic used to communicate mortality in the Memento Mori period of the 15th to 18th centuries, as well as the methods the Victorians used to sentimentalise death with adornment.

I work in traditional gold and silver smithing techniques, combined with materials that were once living such as jet, human hair and most importantly, taxidermy. I use these materials as a Memento Mori, or reminder of our mortality.

I incorporate the symbols of death throughout my work because I think it is important to identify with the concept that we are mortal creatures. I believe if we can accept our own mortality, we can in turn appreciate the significance of life.

As a strict vegetarian, I consider my taxidermy to be a celebration of life, a preservation of something beautiful. I feel strongly about the fair and just treatment of animals and to accentuate this point I use only animals that have died of natural causes.

Courtesy of Sophie Gannon Gallery