Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Mounted Life

I find The Mounted Life photography series by Danielle Van Ark a bit odd and amusing. It's not often I get a chance to peer into the life of a taxidermist (ok...never really), which is where I'm assuming these photos are from. My natural curiosity grows and the images become more interesting...like I shouldn't look, but it's so weird I have to look one more time! They are also posed and photographed so well, like they are saying, "hey you...yeah you...what's up?!"

**UPDATE** Danielle Van Ark was kind enough to tell the background story of these photos -

"Hi Everybody, A friend of mine emailed this blog to me, as the maker I will clear something up for you. These pictures are taken in the storage rooms of Natural History Museums in the US and Europe, I've been to 16 so far. I always feel like they live their own life and while I am there they freeze, just like in the movie 'Night at the Museum' but there you go. That's the story."

Thanks for clearing that up - wow - makes the photographs even more amazing!

{also found via ffffound!}

21 comments:

The City Sage said...

I'm sort of imagining these animals working in this warehouse---sort of like a taxidermy version of 'The Office'! That rhino is so the awkward, obnoxious boss!

please sir said...

I LOVE your interpretation - what a neat way to think about it like that!!

Angela said...

hmmm... never thought of it this way. okay! btw, i tagged you.

Joanna Goddard said...

ha, i love this!

heather smith jones said...

i like how the animals almost assume personality peeking out from behind cabinets. are they playing a game?

evencleveland said...

I agree - the peeking around the corners is weirdly charming.

Anonymous social worker said...

O, really hope this animals weren't killed just for taxodermy :(

Hila said...

hmm, this is very odd; but you're right, also amusing - in a disturbing sort of way :)

aimee said...

there's something very amusing about this!

Claire, said...

very curious indeed!

Unknown said...

Interesting, and somehow beautiful. Great find!

Erin said...

this is my favorite post today. it made me smile, and even giggle a little.
I had a hide that my father in law gave to me tanned about two years ago, and the taxidermist's shop was in the basement of his house. He was a nice guy, and a counter divided the sales area from his work area, so I could see everything he was working on.

Mrs.French said...

a bit disturbing, yet awesome...I get what you're saying.

Chris said...

Very strange but interesting!

Victoria said...

Freaky and fascinating!

Anonymous said...

So weird - I love it!

Raina Cox said...

The last one is "Peekaboo, I see you!"

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

morbidly beautiful!
Damien Hirst is quite envious ;)

erin@designcrisis said...

Gorgeous photos. I love how the animals are peeping from corners.

Danielle van Ark said...

Hi Everybody,
A friend of mine emailed this blog to me, as the maker I will clear something up for you. These pictures are taken in the storage rooms of Natural History Museums in the US and Europe, I've been to 16 so far. I always feel like they live their own life and while I am there they freeze, just like in the movie 'Night at the Museum' but there you go. That's the story.

jae said...

They do seem to be "alive" and I love the fact that they are in Natural History Museums and not a taxidermist. The actual story makes them really seem like they are waiting for you to leave so they can spring back to life.

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