2014Exhibitions

The 3rd Biennial Taxidermy Show

Featuring Ave Rose
May 2 – June 1, 2014
Opening Reception: Friday, May 2nd, 8-11 PM
Live Taxidermy Demonstration: Saturday, May 3rd, 2-5 PM
Live Artist Talk with Ave Rose: Sunday, May 18th, 2-4 PM

La Luz De Jesus Gallery proudly presents our 3rd Biennial Taxidermy show.

This is not your granddady’s taxidermy: road kill is a central part of the “recycled” philosophy of this unusual and enlightening exhibition, as are discarded livestock, destroyed nuisance animals, casualties of the pet trade and animals that have expired from natural causes. Other sculptures utilize taxidermy techniques in an unorthodox way to fashion fantastic beasts from everyday materials–even the recycled pelts of toy stuffed animals. Elements of technology and decoration combine to create ornaments that approach high art, not only in craft, but in concept.

Materials and even species are mixed, helping to broaden presumptive definitions.
Pieces in this exhibition span Steam Punk to Rococo -from playful to elegant.

We are still choosing pieces for this exhibition, so check back as we add more pieces to the final line-up. On Saturday, May 3rd from 2 until 5 PM, Katie, Divya, and Lauren will present a live taxidermy demonstration using prepared and raw materials as they answer questions about the artform.

: Naturally deceased European starling, assorted plants and flowers, chemically preserved to maintain color and suppleness, chicken egg (content s drained and eaten), vintage stand , latex caulk, excelsior, and paint, 6 x 2 x 2 in. $75.00

: Naturally deceased English sparrow, assorted plants and flowers, chemically preserved to maintain color and suppleness, chicken egg (content s drained and eaten), vintage stand , latex caulk, excelsior, and paint, 6 x 2 x 2 in. $75.00

: Naturally deceased English sparrow, Swarovski crystals, plated metal, metal wire, excelsior, twine, and epoxy 6 x 6 x 3 in. $270.00 (can be customized in gold or silver upon request)

: Naturally deceased English sparrows, Swarovski crystals, natural smoky quartz crystals, shed porcupine quills, epoxy, excelsior, twine, handmade high heel shoes (metallic printed cow leather, kidskin, epoxies, latex foam-all tooling, lasts, heel, platform, and components are handmade in U.S.A. and Europe) Variable based on installation, each shoe is 7 x 4 x 8 in. $3,500.00 for custom order upon request (pleast note that each pair is custom made for the client in their own shoe size.)

: Rogue taxidermy anthropomorphic mixed media diorama, ethically sourced rogue taxidermy, miniatures, wood, fabric, battery powered lights, vintage parts and findings, 12 x 12 x 7 in. + 1 in. battery pack attached to back. takes 2 AA batteries $695.00

: Taxidermy chick, mixed media, in dome 8.5 x 5 in. $1,000.00

: Gold-leafed esodermy squirrels on black lacquer base. Enclosed under 19″L x 13″H x 5″W plexiglass case, $3,200.00

: Duck mandibles, brass beads, capped rhinestones, 16 x 9 x 4.5 in. $450.00

: Cat skull & bones, brass beads, faux pearls 20 x 2.25 x 3.5 x 2 in. $750.00

: Mink skull, Texas concho & California king snake vertebrae, brass wire, 18 x 4 x 6 in. $750.00

: Rail skull & bones, ball python vertebrae, brass beads 18 in., Center piece: 6 x 6 in. $750.00 Sold

: Rooster skull & bones, peacock vertebrae, snake vertebrae, brass beads 26 in., Skull and cross: 11.5 x 3 in. $325.00 Sold

: Wood Shadowbox with real preserved weevil riding miniature tricycle, 6 x 8 x 1.5 in. $185.00

: Axis deer hide, baboon jaw set, two squirrel hides, taxidermy forms, sofa, acrylic, lacquer, and Swiss Army knife, 54 x 54 x 36 in. $12,800.00

: Hyrax hide, raccoon tails, epoxy/gilded antlers, taxidermy form, mirror, scissors, paper, footstool, bat wings, lacquer, and acrylic, 16 x 22 x 12 in. $4,800.00

: Mummified baby mouse, vintage carved wax skull, butterfly wings, rat tail skin, lamp finial, stone heart, and brass tack, 2 x 2 x 2 in. $300.00 Sold

: Shed skin of a gopher snake (70 in.), mummified mouse, and stone heart, 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in. $200.00 Sold

: Naturally deceased rabbit, urethane foam, pearls, Swarovski crystals, epoxy, vintage metal tray (rabbit can be removed from tray and stand alone if desired) 6 x 5 x 9 in. $550.00

: Brushed ink and pyrography on wood sculpture, and bird skulls, 33 x 11 x 5 in. $2,000.00 Sold

: Ermine skull, resined rose, Swarovski crystals, acrylic, size 5 sterling silver, 2 x 1.5 x 2 in. $325.00

: Ermine skull, lace, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearl, acrylic, size 4.5 sterling silver, 2 x 1.25 x 2 in. $325.00

: Fox Skin, flora, glass, Wood, mixed media. 23.5 x 10.5 x 10.75 in. $3,200.00

: Fox Skin, flora, glass, Wood, mixed media. 14 x 11 9.75 in. $1,100.00

: plaster casting, $200.00 Sold

: plaster casting, 8 x 8 x 7 in. $150.00 Sold

: plaster casting, Available Individually

: plaster casting, 11 x 11 x 11 in. $225.00

: plaster casting, 7 x 7 x 6.5 in. $110.00

: plaster casting, 5 x 5 x 5 in. $100.00

: plaster casting, 5 x 5 x 5 in. $100.00

: plaster casting, 5 x 5 x 3 in. $100.00 Sold

: plaster casting, 6 x 6 x 5 in. $200.00

: shrunken coyote head, coyote skin, mixed media, 7 x 7 x 9 in. $575.00

: plaster casting, 6 x 6 x 3 in. $100.00

: Traditional taxidermy mixed media, 18 x 12 x 14 in. $1,200.00

: Traditional taxidermy mixed media, 13 x 13 x 13 in. $1,100.00

: Traditional taxidermy mixed media, 22 x 8 x 14 in. $1,200.00 Sold

: Freeze dried bats, wood, brass, velvet. 4 x 10 x 12 in. $800.00 Sold

: Mixed Media, 4 x 4 x 7 in. $2,800.00

: Antique silver and hardware, bone, brass, beads, glove leather, glass eyes, 11.5 x 7 x 14 in. $3,800.00

: Antique brass and hardware, bone, velvet, glove leather, glass eyes, 8 x 4 x 6 in. $3,200.00

: Antique hardware and findings, brass, bone, steel, silver, glove leather, and glass eyes, 4 x 3.5 x 4 in. $2,800.00

: Taxidermy rat, found doll’s head, preserved cockroach and cricket, millinery flowers, dirt, and foam, 8 x 7 x 4 in. $350.00

: Taxidermy newborn rabbit house sparrow wings, recycled glove leather, jewelry chain, vintage lock and frame, acrylic and wood, 5.5 x 7 x 3.5 in. $300.00 Sold

: Taxidermy hamster, re-purposed file box, recycled glove leather, vintage table cloth, bandages, and gold gilding, 8 x 6 x 4 in. $300.00

: Taxidermy mouse silicone, latex, polyurethane, and vintage tray,2.5 x 6.5 x 4.5 in. $300.00 Sold

: Mixed Media, 13 x 22 x 9 in. $2,200.00

: Mixed Media, 24 x 14.5 x 14 in. $4,000.00

: Mixed Media, 10 x 12 x 12 in. $1,800.00

: Composite sculpted piece consist of a violin built from horse skull, taxidermy frog as the bridge, music box installed inside the skull, which is operated by a key on the side of the jaw. $2,500.00

: Animatronics, copper plated cast urethane resin and fiberglass, taxidermy eyes and sea shell. 12x8x10 in. $2,800.00

: Arctic fox, domestic rabbit, epoxy and polymer clay sculpture, hand-painted glass eyes, acrylic paint, and varnish, 11 x 11 x 15 in. $700.00

: Domestic rabbits, epoxy and polymer clay sculpture, hand-painted glass eyes, acrylic paint, and varnish, 12.5 x 12 x 9 in. $700.00 Sold

: Moles, miniature furniture, victorian wallpaper, moss, roots, and insects in a glass case, 7 x 14 x 8 in. $800.00

: Real Chicken egg, naturally deceased baby chick, silver candle stick, and glass pearls, 9 x 3 x 3 in. $250.00

: Hen framed in an ornate vintage frame, and red ribbon, 10 x 9 x 2 in. $250.00 Sold

: Unique Lumisty lens over duraclear photographic image, 24 x 24 x 4 in. $10,000.00

: Mixed media taxidermy musikal box, 24 x 12 x 9 in. (free standing) $2,000.00 Sold

: Mixed media taxidermy assemblage, 18 x 12 x 17 in. $1,500.00

: Taxidermy boar, mixed media, 20 x 28 x 24 in. from wall, $1,500.00

ANIMALS ARE NOT KILLED IN THE WORK, but rather are used to create a conversation about death and taxidermy.
Here’s a link to pics from the last Rogue Taxidermy Show in 2012.

Ave Rose

Bestiary of the Automata
May 2 – June 1, 2014
Opening Reception: Friday, May 2nd, 8-11 PM
Live Artist Talk with Ave Rose: Sunday, May 18th, 2-4 PM

We are also spotlighting the work of Ave Rose in Bestiary of the Automata, an exhibition within an exhibition. Ave uses antique insects, bones and taxidermy ephemera in congress with motion mechanics to produce reanimated, organic robots that tend more towards rococo than science fiction. Also incorporating precious gems and metals, her creatures are whimsical amusements that practically breathe with artificial life.

: Eight Seahorses, genuine amethyst, peridot, lemon quartz, & rose zircon gemstones set in 14k gold, beetle wings, peacock feathers. Movement: wind up music box. The seahorses move up & down and rotate around. 10 x 7 in. in diameter, $1,500.00

: Skunk skull, squirrel paws, genuine rubies set in 14 k gold. Movement: wind up.The creature’s torso circles within the glass sphere. 12 x 8 in. in diameter, $1,000.00

: Raccoon skull & paws, antique silver spoon, genuine paraiba ice gemstones set in sterling silver, genuine white salt water pearls, antique brooch. Movement: plug in. She turns her head and lifts her arms as she shows off her silver spoon. 30 x 12 in. in diameter, $2,000.00

: Rabbit skull, squirrel paws. Genuine lemon quartz gemstones set in sterling silver, antique doll arm. The carrot is sculpted and features 45 genuine citrine gemstones. Movement: plug in. At the push of a button the creatures arms/legs wiggle and it’s jaws opens/closes. It’s trying to grab a carrot being dangled in front of it. 23 x 10 in. in diameter, $2,500.00

: Opossum skull & paws, genuine pink sapphire gemstones set in sterling silver. Movement: plug in. at the push of a button she nods her head, movies her hands, & taps her feet. 28 x 12 in. in diameter, $2,000.00

: Muskrat skull, squirrel paws, genuine green jade, antique clock parts. Movement: wind up. The creature turns his head while raising his arms up and down. In his left hand he is presenting a real white mini rosebud. It is as if he is professing his love! 22 x 13 x 4.5 in. $2,500.00

: White Lined Sphinx Moth, White Lined Sphinx Caterpillars, Sea Holly, antique clock parts, music box, genuine Peridot gemstone set in 14k gold. Movement: A hand crank makes the butterfly move up & down & flap it’s wings. 15.5 x 6.5 x 16.75 in. $1,200.00 Sold

: Eight Dwarf Seahorses, genuine amethyst & ruby gemstones set in sterling silver, Antique watch & clock parts. Movement: wind up music box. The seahorses rotate around. 10 x 6 in. in diameter, $800.00 Sold

: Goose skull, Ring Neck Pheasant claws, genuine amethyst & peridot gemstones set in 14k gold, antique watch gear. Movement: plug in. She shakes her arms in the air and wiggles her feet in a wild dance. 28 x 12 in. in diameter, $2,000.00

: Two Pacific Giant Seahorses, peacock feathers, genuine pink garnets set in 14k gold, antique marbles. Movement: Wind up music box. The two seahorses move forward and upwards and then downwards and backwards. 12 x 9 in. in diameter, $1,500.00

: King Fisher, genuine blue spinel gemstones set in sterling silver, vintage doll legs. Movement: wind up. The bird creature dances up and down and twirls around. 23 x 9 in. in diameter, $1,200.00

: vampire bat, fire sapphires set in 14k gold, preserved chocolate cosmos,antique chandelier crystals. Movement: Wind up. The bat hangs and slowly spins. 25.5 x 12 in. in diameter, $1,800.00

: Mantella Baroni frog, genuine amethyst gemstones set in sterling silver, antique frame. Movement: wind up. The frog in a ballerina dress dances up and down and twirls around. 19 x 5 in. in diameter, $850.00

: Small Footed Bat, genuine garnet & golden topaz gemstones set in 14k gold, antique gold gilded roses, wooden cremation urn, antique clock parts, music box. Movement: crank shaft. A hand crank makes the bat move up and down to flap his wings. 25 x 13 in. in diameter, $1,800.00

: Five Real butterflies, vintage grandfather clock, antique clock parts. Movement: plug in, switch activated. Giant butterfly in the face of the clock rotates, 3 butterflies in the body of the clock is sound sensitive and flutters around. They will rest after a few seconds and will flutter around again based on sound vibrations. 17.25 x 14.25 x 72.5 in. $2,500.00

: Pacific giant seahorse, peacock feathers, genuine amethyst gemstones set in 14k gold, antique clock parts. Movement: wind up. The seahorse sways back and forth. 16 x 7 in. in diameter, $700.00 Sold

: Mother of Pearl Butterfly, Blue cicada, genuine white pearls, antique clock parts, music box. Movement: A hand crank makes the butterfly move up & down & flap it’s wings. 14.75 x 6 x 16.5 in. $1,100.00 Sold

“Most seahorses have a lifespan of 18-20 months. They are highly sought after as aquarium pets making them far more valuable alive than dead. Unfortunately there is a huge market for dead seahorses in the Chinese medicine trade. I am against the collection and use of seahorses for this purpose. I only purchase seahorses from breeders not poachers. Since these seahorses have such a short live span, when they die of natural causes they are sold to private collectors like myself. I pay more for these ethically sourced seahorses, but it’s worth it.” – Ave Rose