tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25143532555282886942024-03-13T22:56:33.726-07:00Half EmbalmedAdventures and Misadventures in Rogue TaxidermySimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-23287582950085782982012-05-17T22:37:00.003-07:002012-05-17T22:42:43.600-07:00Memento Mori, a look at death and my obsessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am currently sitting at the deathbed of my grandmother down in Southern California. Death is such a peculiar thing. Despite the fact that I work with death on a daily basis as a taxidermist, it's tough to deal with when it's happening to someone of my own species, and a close relative at that. My grandmother is in hospice care here in the home of my parents, which is nice for all of us because she's comfortable and we're comfortable and there are no beeping machines or sterile white walls. She's been unresponsive for days now but still holding on for some reason unbeknownst to the rest of us.<br />
When I got the call that this was the end for her, I panicked for days before making the 14 hour journey south to be with her and family. I'm really good with death, I used to obsess over it, even romanticize about it in my gothy high school days, but no one had died in my life at that point. Death I can handle, it's the dying part that's hard. Watching a creature of any species struggle for breath reminds us of our own suffering, of the moment we will be in the same position, possibly alone and probably in pain. <br />
I've been sitting by her side for two days now, watching her face change into someone I don't know. She's been unresponsive since I got here, but hearing is the last to go so we talk to her still and reminisce about old memories. Sometimes her hand twitches or her jaw moves and I like to think it's her responding as much as she can with a body that's non-functional and shutting down.<br />
Every day she looks more sallow and corpse-like. She breathes shallowly with her mouth gaping open. She now breathes with the telltale "death rattle" marking that the end is very close. While some of my family have a hard time being in the room to hear the noise, I have become more comfortable with the idea of her death and find it incredibly fascinating. I am done crying for her and realize now that she is on the verge of an epic adventure none of us can possibly imagine. I am not a religious person, I don't know what is waiting for her, but I believe there is something beyond this life.<br />
The nurse that comes to help at midnight comes from a small village in India, and it has been interesting hearing her experiences with helping the dying move on. She says the dying get restless at night. One night she felt a presence in the room when watching over my grandmother and my grandmother lifted her arm into the air and said "I'm deciding," then went comatose again. The house feels very spiritual and peaceful right now, even the family pets sense the transition and are silent, keeping vigil for her.<br />
This experience has been a positive one, and when she takes her last breath we're going to open the door for her and let her spirit out. This may be superstition, but I like the idea of it.<br />
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Please stay tuned for more series of writings about my rekindled interest in death, including Victorian mourning culture and funerary practices. </div>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-11021161654561428982012-04-22T22:01:00.000-07:002012-05-17T22:01:45.731-07:00Cut Throat Freak Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had a great time working with the Cut Throat Freak Show at Humbrews recently. I sold baby octopi in jars, as well as pickled fetal piglets. The show was great and included juggling, daring acts of danger, a working Tesla coil, and of course erotic balloon animals. I highly recommend checking out the show in a town near you. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cut-Throat-Freak-Show/127665690593994">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cut-Throat-Freak-Show/127665690593994</a><br />
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Want a baby octopus of fetal piglet of your own? Check my Etsy shop, I usually have them in stock. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed">http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed</a><br />
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<br /></div>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-77627307863911841332012-02-29T00:25:00.006-08:002012-02-29T00:53:49.209-08:00Several Exciting ThingsI'm pleased to be busier than ever and have a few exciting updates to announce.<br /><br />I'm now an official working member of the <a href="http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/index.php">Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists</a>. I'm very honored and excited to be a part of this group of creative geniuses. I recommend clicking on the link and checking out their website and other members of the group including founding members Scott Bibus and Sarina Brewer. What is Rogue Taxidermy, you ask? Check out this informative article from Asylum posted to the MART site: <a href="http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/press/">http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/press/</a><br /><br />In other news, I met the wonderful people at the <a href="http://circusemporiumroadshow.com/2012/02/21/hello-world/">Circus Emporium Roadshow</a> and have been helping out with their amazing sideshow collection of oddities. I highly recommend checking out one of their shows. Not only do they have sword swallowing, a blockhead, and a burlesque act, but one of the best collections of oddities I've seen, and all with the authentic feel of a true sideshow.<br /><br />I've also joined a local paranormal society, but more on that later.<br /><br />Other than that I've got several other projects in the mix, including these (now available for sale <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed">HERE</a>):<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uA8k-ac4BRo/T03mFw382RI/AAAAAAAAAJc/klx_t_iGvSQ/s1600/ratfoot01.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uA8k-ac4BRo/T03mFw382RI/AAAAAAAAAJc/klx_t_iGvSQ/s320/ratfoot01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714476488896338194" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kxmLJFkAxQ/T03mzoQI62I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TF8xloSuPgg/s1600/wings01.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kxmLJFkAxQ/T03mzoQI62I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TF8xloSuPgg/s320/wings01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714477276855855970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This coastal winter weather makes me want to stay inside and hibernate, I'm very much looking forward to some sort of spring weather to wake me up and get me moving faster.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.roguetaxidermy.com/press/"></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-90915176133246361382012-02-05T00:03:00.000-08:002012-02-29T00:24:02.217-08:00Octo MomFor February Arts Alive here in Eureka I got out my pearls and white gloves and dusted off the baby buggy to become Octo Mom for the night. It was a blast walking around with the lit up carriage full of preserved baby octopi.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czsJ6keHCVg/T03dysqZaxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/FJm6fJCkDoU/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czsJ6keHCVg/T03dysqZaxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/FJm6fJCkDoU/s320/IMG_8301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714467365255211794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVSJGwpjl_8/T03eEKfUK6I/AAAAAAAAAI4/sfu08rgq7xg/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG"> </a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVSJGwpjl_8/T03eEKfUK6I/AAAAAAAAAI4/sfu08rgq7xg/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVSJGwpjl_8/T03eEKfUK6I/AAAAAAAAAI4/sfu08rgq7xg/s320/IMG_8302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714467665319570338" border="0" /></a><br />The mix of responses was interesting, some people were fascinated and some disgusted and shocked. One woman almost threw up when she realized there were dead sea creatures in the buggy and not an adorable baby. Here are some passersby investigating the mysterious bottles:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtg_o6JCcMg/T03ejuwfjMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/v2Qtpr47QFU/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xtg_o6JCcMg/T03ejuwfjMI/AAAAAAAAAJE/v2Qtpr47QFU/s320/IMG_8314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714468207631240386" border="0" /></a><br />I met up with fellow artist Lauren Elizabeth Miller of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtfulAlias?ref=ss_profile">the Artful Alias</a> and we had a great time peddling our goods and trying to stay warm.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dId7LvyGvNw/T03fWrBGEXI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/gVqkyYON0nM/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dId7LvyGvNw/T03fWrBGEXI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/gVqkyYON0nM/s320/IMG_8318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714469082800460146" border="0" /></a><br />I plan to make this a regular monthly event when I'm not doing a show so look for me and the buggy each Arts Alive.<br />I also regularly sell baby octopi in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed">Etsy</a> shop so check back often.SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-40623962749578342462012-01-28T23:40:00.000-08:002012-02-28T23:59:41.629-08:00Show RecapSo at the December 2011 Arts Alive in Old Town Eureka I had the reception for my solo show "Half Embalmed," which was a blast.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8N1rCwQy-0/T03XegK88NI/AAAAAAAAAH8/cC5nmlh4YHo/s1600/IMG_7110b.jpg"></a><br />The lovely Courtney Jaxon at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Shop-of-Hers/108754845819110">Little Shop of Hers</a> was kind enough to let me show my dead things in her vintage shop, which I highly recommend to anyone looking for great deals on good quality vintage clothing and accessories. Here's my obligatory "posing with my work" photo:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6khvgdufxY8/T03YI-w-iYI/AAAAAAAAAII/FetRiJWBYtI/s1600/IMG_7127c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6khvgdufxY8/T03YI-w-iYI/AAAAAAAAAII/FetRiJWBYtI/s320/IMG_7127c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714461151002003842" border="0" /></a><br />The pieces that really stole the show were Grandpa Squirrel and The Funeral Parlor. Grandpa Squirrel immediately sold and is now living a happy retirement with the lead singer of the band <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drifter-Killer/148053998599026">Drifter Killer</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAytlt6evnw/T03ZH_-X4vI/AAAAAAAAAIU/bzsIURBA-RQ/s1600/IMG_7106b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAytlt6evnw/T03ZH_-X4vI/AAAAAAAAAIU/bzsIURBA-RQ/s320/IMG_7106b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714462233658385138" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgRhY5tTZ6A/T03ZfAUWrnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/busBnyUOal4/s1600/IMG_7096.jpg"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgRhY5tTZ6A/T03ZfAUWrnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/busBnyUOal4/s320/IMG_7096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714462628887572082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a great experience and I think the show really got the community thinking more about taxidermy as a creative art form.SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-58696294022625254622011-11-04T04:28:00.000-07:002011-11-04T04:33:28.857-07:00Rat DollI've started making dolls with animal parts. Here is "Loleta":<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn9UZttSXo0/TrPM4P6sLQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/49jDqV36SW0/s1600/IMG_6349b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn9UZttSXo0/TrPM4P6sLQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/49jDqV36SW0/s320/IMG_6349b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671101622507023618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBMXP4bntD4/TrPNfA3wPpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/fSYxdJxaNJ0/s1600/IMG_6351.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TBMXP4bntD4/TrPNfA3wPpI/AAAAAAAAAHw/fSYxdJxaNJ0/s320/IMG_6351.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671102288483073682" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-61469618499253627762011-11-04T03:34:00.001-07:002011-11-04T04:20:44.741-07:00Parakeet Project Part 2The owner of the parakeets wanted tail feather hair fascinators to remember her birds by, but she wanted to bury the rest of the remains. I made her custom coffins for the tiny birds and wrapped the remains in lace.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmQzypCQjhc/TrPAhQHXCRI/AAAAAAAAAGc/DKVA2aIqE5A/s1600/IMG_6313.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmQzypCQjhc/TrPAhQHXCRI/AAAAAAAAAGc/DKVA2aIqE5A/s320/IMG_6313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671088033283639570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The fascinators next to the open coffins:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5e4w-Ic_BI/TrPDOVkqrpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/fbBD24DFHVA/s1600/IMG_6312.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5e4w-Ic_BI/TrPDOVkqrpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/fbBD24DFHVA/s320/IMG_6312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671091006866108050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had a funeral for the Parakeets and buried them in a friend's personal pet cemetery, full of fish, birds, and Pugs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ss8nAPwrKg/TrPIzJHbP_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZjsBEbmkCOU/s1600/IMG_6321.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ss8nAPwrKg/TrPIzJHbP_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZjsBEbmkCOU/s320/IMG_6321.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671097136735535090" border="0" /></a>Here is Chloey, the parakeet owner, at the graves, along with some other photos of the graves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvcbaKFgreY/TrPJZv2e4aI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1j2EZqz1s3k/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvcbaKFgreY/TrPJZv2e4aI/AAAAAAAAAHA/1j2EZqz1s3k/s320/IMG_6334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671097799968481698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n5gcG9Rr6E/TrPJ-QiRLgI/AAAAAAAAAHM/94wentb5EUk/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n5gcG9Rr6E/TrPJ-QiRLgI/AAAAAAAAAHM/94wentb5EUk/s320/IMG_6335.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671098427217358338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTnvepVph8s/TrPKSUfrAkI/AAAAAAAAAHY/v1V2MS-9-ZM/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTnvepVph8s/TrPKSUfrAkI/AAAAAAAAAHY/v1V2MS-9-ZM/s320/IMG_6336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671098771877593666" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-74749924056363154892011-11-04T02:15:00.000-07:002011-11-04T02:34:10.669-07:00Blue Lake OutingHere are some photos I took recently on a roadkill-salvage outing in Blue Lake, California. The side of the winding 299 was riddled with deer carcasses. Antlers were missing and some bodies were found in game bags, indicating these were hunted, not hit by cars, and the bodies dumped.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKb799EeQ0/TrOveIqwqVI/AAAAAAAAAF4/JmVgmXXkAN8/s1600/IMG_6270b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyKb799EeQ0/TrOveIqwqVI/AAAAAAAAAF4/JmVgmXXkAN8/s320/IMG_6270b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671069288047356242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWJxVMVxoE/TrOvE6wa4NI/AAAAAAAAAFs/rfje9JdLjlI/s1600/IMG_6269b.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWJxVMVxoE/TrOvE6wa4NI/AAAAAAAAAFs/rfje9JdLjlI/s320/IMG_6269b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671068854816268498" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-78034898649980547682011-11-04T01:37:00.001-07:002011-11-04T02:53:45.805-07:00Parakeet Hair FascninatorsI recently worked on two parakeets that were the pets of a friend of mine. They died when smoke from a neighbors barbeque suffocated them. She wanted something to remember them by so I decided to make her some hair fascinators from the tails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrL5mA0qnL0/TrOlZgT3N0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/YQuiEPFQFgo/s1600/IMG_6260.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 198px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KrL5mA0qnL0/TrOlZgT3N0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/YQuiEPFQFgo/s200/IMG_6260.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671058213378144066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />for small projects I generally work on my dining room table, which also functions as my operating table. Notice my awesome room mate unphased by the project, enjoying his burrito in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSekmJYK7I8/TrOl8vKyaYI/AAAAAAAAAFU/RahgL5pavv0/s1600/IMG_6261.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSekmJYK7I8/TrOl8vKyaYI/AAAAAAAAAFU/RahgL5pavv0/s320/IMG_6261.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671058818662033794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At this point I think my room mate finally left the room:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u05e0ISqOK4/TrOn9mHRasI/AAAAAAAAAFg/H2yAByUfsP8/s1600/IMG_6265.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u05e0ISqOK4/TrOn9mHRasI/AAAAAAAAAFg/H2yAByUfsP8/s320/IMG_6265.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671061032434494146" border="0" /></a><br />After treating the tails and drying them for a few days I completed the hair fascinators.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5ZYXMJgIb8/TrO1VgEB-3I/AAAAAAAAAGE/5ZlLmkaVsWw/s1600/IMG_6297.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5ZYXMJgIb8/TrO1VgEB-3I/AAAAAAAAAGE/5ZlLmkaVsWw/s320/IMG_6297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671075736778308466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzauuK-cHzY/TrO2ANG0wAI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/flTUh9qp3qs/s1600/IMG_6302.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 142px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzauuK-cHzY/TrO2ANG0wAI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/flTUh9qp3qs/s320/IMG_6302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671076470424125442" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-9123015229906590952011-10-13T22:01:00.000-07:002011-10-13T22:10:15.282-07:00Current Project--Parakeet Tail Hair FascinatorsA friend of mine had two pet parakeets that tragically died recently, I'm making hair fascinators from the tails so she has something to remember them by. More photos to come.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM6e2PAzckU/TpfD8eQPElI/AAAAAAAAAEY/QfiKOP8iYvE/s1600/300086_2339741405713_1015235013_32733271_1210640818_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM6e2PAzckU/TpfD8eQPElI/AAAAAAAAAEY/QfiKOP8iYvE/s200/300086_2339741405713_1015235013_32733271_1210640818_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663210500122415698" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-26486100654952375282011-10-02T20:10:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:51:58.249-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wotaoz-hhZc/Tokp7UOcebI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Q1CraaM9_Ks/s1600/IMG_4342.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wotaoz-hhZc/Tokp7UOcebI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Q1CraaM9_Ks/s200/IMG_4342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659100505786055090" border="0" /></a><br />Germany was an amazing experience and I've come back completely inspired. It was taxidermy heaven over there and I got some great photos. I even brought back a genuine Swiss taxidermy squirrel missing both his eyes. I call him Griswald Grindelwald, after the town of Griswald he came from.<br />I also attended Burning Man this year. Here's a photo of me ringing the virgin bell at the gates.<br /> <br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P97ShrnvFA/Tokv4RRLIEI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/34Yum5z-HUc/s1600/306461_2316325300325_1015235013_32715428_1141945354_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P97ShrnvFA/Tokv4RRLIEI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/34Yum5z-HUc/s200/306461_2316325300325_1015235013_32715428_1141945354_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659107050522353730" border="0" /></a><br />I've been working on some small items recently that will soon be up for sale in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a> shop. So far I've completed a pair of rat-paw earrings and a hair fascinator made of a parakeet wing.SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-75532389331000636672011-07-03T00:59:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:10:55.031-07:00Summer Updates<span style="font-family:georgia;">Hello All,<br />I'm getting ready to head to Germany for a month so my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HalfEmbalmed?ref=pr_shop">Etsy</a> Shop is in vacation mode. I should be back the first week of August.<br />I will be working on preserving baby octopi when I get back and will be selling them on Etsy and at Eureka's monthly Arts Alive.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci2KSaT-FHg/ThAjKMCwcLI/AAAAAAAAADw/wCyFRSlivyc/s1600/octo01.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci2KSaT-FHg/ThAjKMCwcLI/AAAAAAAAADw/wCyFRSlivyc/s200/octo01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625034592524202162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMckS4P9a4w/ThAjiwfLAeI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fkPX0Zej4Gw/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMckS4P9a4w/ThAjiwfLAeI/AAAAAAAAAD4/fkPX0Zej4Gw/s200/IMG_0174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625035014623920610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm also working on some taxidermy jewelry pieces using rodent parts.<br />Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!<br /><br />~{Simone Smith}~<br /></span>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-65991869445466413262010-12-13T15:46:00.000-08:002010-12-13T16:10:31.176-08:00UpdatesSo it's been awhile. A long while. Life happened, changes were made, and I feel I've come a long way. My artwork has changed direction, almost on it's own. I started to put down the paint and camera and started making jewelry more and then suddenly decided that I really wanted to pursue my passion in taxidermy. (This has alarmed family members and confused friends but is a great party topic when trying to scare off strangers).<br /><br />I'd like to update more often and document my adventures and misadventures in taxidermy, as well as my other art and life in general. So many interesting things are happening in my life right now that I've love to share.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/TQa1tVbaKII/AAAAAAAAAB8/MIkS2zcwIoo/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/TQa1tVbaKII/AAAAAAAAAB8/MIkS2zcwIoo/s320/IMG_2919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550323381231560834" border="0" /></a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-17112010486271869542010-04-03T15:06:00.000-07:002010-04-03T15:17:22.291-07:00April Arts Alive!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/S7e-XlwszaI/AAAAAAAAABs/rKAJlmxc14A/s1600/IMG_0683b.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/S7e-XlwszaI/AAAAAAAAABs/rKAJlmxc14A/s320/IMG_0683b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456038786065288610" border="0" /></a><br />Hello everyone, just a reminder that tonight (Saturday, April 3) I will be opening my studio for Arts Alive. I will have hot tea and wine available and will be showing works in progress as well as selling prints of past works. I will be open from 6-9pm in the Art Center building, 207 G St #214, Old Town Eureka. Hope to see you there!<br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-21151437918586063702010-02-03T21:06:00.000-08:002010-02-03T21:11:13.282-08:00Sideshow Freaks and Modern SaintsHello everyone,<br />I just started a painting involving modern saints, I might post some works in progress photos soon. I'm on a sideshow kick tonight, I've been reading about the Fiji Mermaid and other sideshow hoaxes. It's been a subject of fascination for me since childhood and I've been doing a lot of sketches based on it. Maybe it will end up in one of my paintings. Enjoy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tahamilton.com/11_Museum_of_the_Weird/rip_mer.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 328px;" src="http://www.tahamilton.com/11_Museum_of_the_Weird/rip_mer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-53845967437566382362010-02-01T22:02:00.000-08:002010-02-01T22:07:47.482-08:00Finally, a (sort of) Update!I know, I really suck at updating. I will post some works in progress soon, really. I'll also be posting information about the February 18th opening of the Art of Brian Sproul show at the Reese Bullen Gallery. I get to be a part of putting this show together and it's really an honor to work so closely with his artwork.<br />That's it for now. Here's my inspiration for the night:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.animalpicturesarchive.com/ArchOLD-3/1113799528.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 533px; height: 437px;" src="http://www.animalpicturesarchive.com/ArchOLD-3/1113799528.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Goodnight, hope I didn't give you nightmares.<br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-86769247892049824552009-12-17T23:59:00.000-08:002009-12-18T00:00:04.735-08:00Great Etsy Deal<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message"><span class="UIStory_Message">Order from my Etsy shop before January 1st and receive a free signed print of one of my works with your order!<br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNpbW9uZXNtaXRoYXJ0LmV0c3kuY29tLw==" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.simonesmithart.etsy.com</a></span></h3><br /><br /><br /><table style="text-align: center;"><tr><td><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.etsy.com/flash/spots/etsy_mini.swf?user_id=6742553&user_name=SimoneSmithArt&item_source=shop&item_size=gallery&rows=4&columns=2" width="354" height="730"><param name="movie" value="http://www.etsy.com/flash/spots/etsy_mini.swf?user_id=6742553&user_name=SimoneSmithArt&item_source=shop&item_size=gallery&rows=4&columns=2"></object></td></tr><tr><td><a style="color:#D35701; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold" href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade</a><br/><a style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12px; color:#0192B5; text-decoration: none;" href="http://SimoneSmithArt.etsy.com">SimoneSmithArt.etsy.com</a></td></tr></table>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-32504498481162789972009-11-26T21:30:00.000-08:002009-11-26T21:36:52.848-08:00Black Friday SaleHello everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!<br />I enjoyed the day with traditional food, family, and hot buttered rum. The rain here was a nice addition to the evening. Now it's back to work!<br />In honor of Black Friday I've lowered the prices in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimoneSmithArt">Etsy</a> shop.<br />Be safe tomorrow, it's a dangerous day to go out! I just hope no one dies this year from being trampled to death all for a good price on a television. It's like the running of the bulls. (So glad I'm not working retail anymore.)<br />{Simone}<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimoneSmithArt">http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimoneSmithArt</a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-75213616761282552942009-11-20T12:30:00.000-08:002009-11-20T12:51:10.304-08:00Just Another Friday in EurekaGood morning everyone! (Well, I guess it's technically the afternoon but I woke up late.)<br />Today is the start of my week off and I have all kinds of things planned, including a lot of resting to try and get over this bug I've had. Besides a lot of painting I'm going to dust off my jewelry making supplies and finally start making some pieces I designed months ago. And maybe I'll finish a birthday present I needed to finish a month ago (Sorry Saeed. I'm a perfectionist.)<br />It's raining here in Eureka. It's an excellent day for hot chocolate and reading a book by the window.<br />I'll finish this off by sharing my inspiration for the morning--the work of Vanessa DeWig, a great artist using ink and the stippling technique. My favorite is "Peacock Girl," I have a special love for silent movie stars. You can view and purchase her work on redbubble: <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dewigv">http://www.redbubble.com/people/dewigv</a><br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone!<br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-64503888892912451482009-11-15T20:11:00.001-08:002009-11-15T20:24:19.806-08:00Last ChanceI'm closing my Cafepress and Zazzle shops soon, so this is the last chance to order anything. I'm going to be selling on Etsy because I find that I can interact on a more personal level with customers. I just don't have enough control with Cafepress and Zazzle, though I've been happy with their products in the past. As an artist, selling through companies like Zazzle and Cafepress just feels like selling through a gallery that wants too much commission, and it feels weird not to be making the products myself. The biggest factor is definitely the interaction factor. I feel that being in personal contact with my customers is very important. I want to personally correspond with people, not to have a generic email or letter sent from a third party. The stores will be closed by Friday, so if you wanted to order something make sure it's in by then. You can always contact me by email at info@simonesmith.com if you have questions or comments. I personally answer each email myself.<br />You can view the closing online stores here:<br /><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/simonesmithart">Zazzle</a><br /><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/simonesmith">Cafepress</a><br />And my Etsy shop is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/simonesmithart">here</a> (it will still be up and running)<br /><br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-50474694649668456672009-11-11T10:25:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:35:35.920-08:00I'm Still AroundYes, I'm still alive everyone. Just very very busy. My new goal is to start blogging more often to let you guys know what I'm up to. I'm working on some very neat projects that I'd love to share with everyone, including participating in National Novel Writing Month. If you love writing you should check it out: <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">Nanowrimo.org</a><br />I'm changing a lot of things, it feels like a transformation in my artwork. I'm going to stop holding back and really put all of myself into it now. I was always very shy and if an idea seemed too radical or strange I would keep it secret and never show people. I'm going to experiment and see what happens when I let people see this artwork anyway.<br />Other than that, happy Veteran's Day! I'm going to celebrate with tea and paint, and maybe some sushi.<br />{Simone}SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-53955288231859781222009-08-06T12:52:00.000-07:002009-08-06T12:53:45.135-07:00SALE!One day moving sale in my Etsy shop. Everything is 15% off today! Sale ends at midnight, don't miss out! <a href="http://www.simonesmithart.etsy.com">http://www.simonesmithart.etsy.com</a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-1008246260282971572009-07-07T22:07:00.000-07:002009-07-07T22:09:35.266-07:00Vintage wool hat and other updatesI'm selling a vintage wool hat on <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27522894" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27522894">Etsy</a>, and "Home" is still for sale. I've been working on some jewelry made of vintage and new pieces, and prints are also being made for some of my artwork, so check my Etsy shop often.<br />When I'm not working I've been doing a lot of traveling, and was able to visit Giant Rock and the <a _fcksavedurl="http://integratron.com/Welcome.html" href="http://integratron.com/Welcome.html">Integratron</a> in Landers, CA. There are so many interesting places to see here in the desert of Southern California. I've also been visiting a lot of flea markets and antique malls, where I've found all kinds of interesting things to use in my artwork.<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://prairie-dove.livejournal.com/">Livejournal</a>SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-44996414606094635712009-06-28T17:44:00.000-07:002009-06-28T17:50:58.550-07:00Update-Original Artwork For Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/SkgOxMp4gJI/AAAAAAAAAA4/1KcVea6sdZk/s1600-h/Homebrand500pix.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/SkgOxMp4gJI/AAAAAAAAAA4/1KcVea6sdZk/s400/Homebrand500pix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352544395503108242" border="0" /></a><br />"Home" mixed media collage is now for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27109728">Etsy</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>. This is a rare opportunity to own an original!<br /><br />I've been busy working on several projects including jewelry making, refinishing some antique furniture, and some new collage pieces.SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2514353255528288694.post-77005715685773192982009-06-11T13:46:00.000-07:002009-06-11T13:51:38.339-07:00"Home"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/SjFt_xfsChI/AAAAAAAAAAM/MDlvTsi40AM/s1600-h/Homebrand500pix.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x-pS4s2wTm4/SjFt_xfsChI/AAAAAAAAAAM/MDlvTsi40AM/s400/Homebrand500pix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346175175050922514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />As you grow older, Home changes. The place you once knew is suddenly no longer your home. The wallpaper starts to peel, the flowers die, and the foundation slides.<br /><br />"Home" mixed media collage on canvas. Original will be for sale soon on <a href="http://www.SimoneSmithArt.Etsy.com">Etsy</a>, and I'll be making prints.SimoneSmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686877610802832668noreply@blogger.com0