I start each demo as I would skinning a specimen alone in my studio- with a blessing and ceremonial thank you to the animal, and a promise to do my best to honor its spirit. Here I am burning sage and doing just that:
Onto the skinning. My crew was eager to be hands-on, so I would show a little step here and there, then pass the bird around for them to take turns with various parts. Some excelled in the peeling parts, others demonstrated fleshing quite masterfully, while one gal in particular had a flare for snapping the neck. Turns out she was a mortuary student, go figure.
After skinning has been demonstrated and practiced, we move onto mounting. Here is the specimen I had set aside for this workshop, a nice tanned white chicken.
We took turns tumbling and blowing him dry before I showed them how to properly wire a form and the chicken to it.
After that we all washed our paws and headed in to the main room where I do all my real work. I showed them what I was working on, projects on deck etc. Like cow and goat skins in a pickle!
After that everyone tried on hats and hung out for a bit, discussing this and that. I have to say, an unexpected and much loved byproduct of my craft is the wide array of characters I get to meet. I honestly have no idea where else I could connect with so many different and wonderful type of people at once.
The next workshops is on Saturday, July 13. Some spots remain, reserve yours now for an unusually delightful afternoon!
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