Curating the Curious: Where My Specimens Come From

My artwork often features natural specimens, everything from butterflies, skulls, and nests to shells, bits of wood, and even the occasional dehydrated reptile. Sometimes they appear as standalone elements, and other times I arrange them into still-life tableaus. In my studio, they live on shelves, tucked into drawers, displayed in acrylic boxes, or hanging on the wall.

One question I’m asked regularly is: Where do you get your specimens?
The answer: from a few different sources.

One of my favorite finds on a walk along the trails near my house.

I started my collection simply, by picking things up on walks through the trails near my home or even just around my suburban neighborhood. One of the first specimen I ever collected was a small, deceased bird I found right on the sidewalk in front of me. (Yes, I used a dog-poop bag to pick it up!) Since then, I’ve come across all sorts of curious finds. I also walk with a couple friends who are expert spotters, and I have to give credit where credit is due. The things I discover on these walks are often the most satisfying, unexpected treasures in everyday places.

“This reminds me of your art…”

Another big source is my circle of friends. I’ve received countless texts and messages that begin with a photo and a question like, “Do you want this?” or “This made me think of you.” The answer is almost always yes, and I’m usually happy to go pick it up myself. Some friends draw the line at touching the “big dead thing,” but they’ll gladly tell me where to find it. For my last milestone birthday, I asked for no gifts... unless it was something dead. (And yes, I was generously rewarded.) I also have friends who simply hand me a little package of something strange and wonderful when they see me, no special occasion required.

“Hey, do you want this?”

Finally, I’ve become well acquainted with the corners of the internet where interesting specimens can be found. Etsy is a goldmine, I’ve spent more hours than I can count browsing bugs, bones, and other oddities. There are also surprisingly robust taxidermy communities on social media. The internet has become a kind of digital wunderkammer—a cabinet of curiosity for people like me.

A couple of cool internet finds.

So there are plenty of places I find my specimens. And the next time you discover a giant dead moth on your windowsill… you know who to call.