Afterlife: 15 Natural History Artists to Know
From traditional taxidermy to lace bats designs, the intricate handwork of these artists give each creature another chapter
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
A butterfly seemingly paused mid-flight allows us to appreciate the intricate patterns across its wings. The preserved vertebrae of a snake reveal the elegant architecture that once supported its movement. Even the familiar raccoon becomes newly arresting when we pause to notice the dexterity of its paws or the intelligence held in its expression.
These details can pass in an instant while an animal is alive and in motion. Natural history art gives us time to see them. The artist looks closely at what made each creature singular, then considers how its character might be carried forward.
That transformation demands an extraordinary kind of devotion. Each specimen is studied closely before the artist begins the patient work of preserving its form. Even pieces rendered in lace or traced from abandoned spiderwebs carry the same attention to the architecture of the living world.
The 15 artists featured here pour themselves into giving each creature another chapter. Through their work, nature becomes an enduring object of wonder and an invitation to look closer at the life around us.
Content warning: The following article contains images of finished taxidermy pieces. Readers who prefer not to view preserved animals should stop here.
A Softer Fox
Whimsical taxidermy and entomology art made for collectors living out their cottagecore fantasy.
Bewitched Oddities
Preserved insects meet real botanicals in Bewitched Oddities’ naturalistic entomology displays.
Dennis Hansbury
Whimsical bats take flight across Dennis Hansbury’s handcrafted wood décor and macabre illustrations.
Esoterica
Known for its viral taxidermy handbags, Esoterica brings preserved specimens out of the collector’s cabinet and onto your arm with its genuine leather handbags with beautiful preserved specimen mounts. Interview with the designer HERE.
Lucifer’s the Light
The home of the original metallic spiderwebs, Lucifer’s the Light specializes in embroidered metallic spiderwebs made entirely by hand.
Marinea Heindel, Insect Mother
Victorian-inspired insect art and taxidermy that preserves the intricate character of each specimen.
Molly Burgess Designs
Hand-painted fabric sculptures recreate moths and other creatures through intricate textile work.
Morbid Moon Creations
Taxidermy art blending responsibly sourced specimens with the romance of vintage design.
November Blue Moon
Handmade shadowboxes arrange insects among keepsakes from stories lost to time.
Sleeping Sirens
Taxidermy art and immersive workshops invite others into the hands-on practice of preserving nature. Interview with the founder HERE.
Shoppe of Stuff
Vintage purses become wearable curio cabinets with genuine taxidermy specimens sealed behind glass.
Soul Perchers
Ornate, detailed costuming gives traditional taxidermy the presence of a storybook character. Interview with the artist HERE.
Southern Curiosities
Traditional taxidermy takes on a playful character through imaginative presentation.
Thistle Patch Cottage
Vintage frames become miniature wildflower worlds for preserved insects and pressed botanicals.
@ubiquitous.mortem
Taxidermy specimens rest among dried flowers in compositions reminiscent of Victorian mourning art.
The life of each creature may have ended before the artist’s work began, though its capacity to inspire remains. Thanks to the meticulous work of these stewards, we can still see the details that might otherwise have disappeared with it.
Which artist would you like to learn more about?
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