With Halloween close enough to reach, something happens to even the most straight-laced among us -- we look for an outlet in which to dabble in something a little left of center. Through costumes and decorations, we are able to momentarily walk on the dark side and tap into our theatrical, artistic or slightly subversive leanings. Of course for some of us, this is a way of life 365 days of the year...after all, not everything has to be ordinary, nor should it be.
'Tis the time of year where bloggers begin to seek out examples of wild creativity that seem to embody the creepy-weird spirit of Halloween, even if those examples are full-time efforts executed by people who just happen to embrace the quirky, less traveled road every day of their lives. In keeping with the "green theme," there are certain artists who rise above the rest by making the most of Mother Nature's resources, prompting us to squirm with delight as we gaze at their oddly macabre work. Whether through the three dimensional dead fly scenes of a nameless Swedish illustrator, the roboticized insect sculptures of seemingly clean-cut artist Mike Libby or Reid Peppard's freaky recycled rodent fashion accessories, we are left thinking, "Ewwwww, that is so cool...I think." Like a gorey traffic accident, we just can't stop looking.
Speaking of recycled rodents, there is another taxidermy artist out there who deserves a little spotlight of eco-appreciation, if not for the fact that she has long made a career out of salvaging roadkill as art, then simply because she has moved onto making the most of dead mice that have perished prior to becoming snake food. There is something to be said for San Francisco based Jeanie M.'s efforts to make every single rodents' life matter -- even though many might think that the very discipline of taxidermy is pursued by those who have a screw loose or are one step away from being a serial killer. Once you lay your eyes on her creations, you will no doubt become enchanted as you squirm in your chair and wonder why you never thought of creating something like this yourself.
So, how 'bout these wedding cake toppers? You'd be the toast of the town clinking glasses in front of your family and loved ones with two sweet faced mice perched in a state of suspended animation upon your layer cake. You'd probably have a lot of cake leftovers when aghast onlookers zero in on your (I'm sure) fully sterilized adornment, but if it's a particularly delicious variety, then that could be a good thing! I'm not sure what conventional wedding cake decorations cost, but you can purchase one just like what is depicted in the photos above for $186.00 from Paxton Gate (where the majority of Jeanie M.'s other taxidermied creations are sold).
Circus freak act or daring rodent leaping through a ring of fire? Whatever the case, this buck-toothed beauty has a soft place in my heart. Why can't "abnormal" genetic abberations be a thing of beauty?
This little fellow has to be one of my favorites in Jeanie M.'s entire collection, though -- just $75 for pure, raw, in-your-face rodent anarchy!
For those who prefer to indulge their princess fantasies, these gals blow away anything branded under the Barbie label.
Even female mice know how to paint the town red in honor of the holiday season -- and might I add, what a figure on this one.
Pirate mice?!? Why not...bucktoothed swashbucklers could easily give Johnny Depp a run for his money.
For the family member who has everything, $75 will get you this Pope mouse and a sock in the eye by any ill-humored religious fanatics in the family.
Ms. taxidermist has also completed a series of slightly less enchanting recycled animal sculptures including the likes of sadly deformed cats, skunks and otters. Methinks this Mardi Gras Skunk would have appeared a lot more lovable with his poor skin still attached, but for some reason he is priced at $600.
This Edwardian Skunk may also be dressed to the nines, but its frightful skull would deter me from ever wanting to cough up the $600 price tag. Why couldn't Jeanie M. have chosen to recycle its head as well?
Gentleman Mink (above) is also in the same boat :( Creepsville, if you ask me. I'll take a recycled stuffed mouse dressed up in a flouncy outfit anyday over a skeletonoid figure...even if it's decked out in the most remarkable finery. What are your thoughts? You likey?
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