Here is another example of Fran Britten's skull collection. I am not sure what it is, but it is beautifully engineered. When I was young, say 12 or 13 and keen on learning biology at school, I used to find dead mice etc. and put them in or near an ants nest. The theory was (and I can never remember where the theory came from) that the ants would strip the bones clean and then you could mount the remaining skeleton for display. I seem to remember that it worked well for mice, but was not good for birds as the feather is immensely strong and indigestible. Does anyone else collect skulls or similar?
This reminds me of 4 of my paintings (I sold one) Where I painted the same Longhorn cow skull into each painting. They were Southwestern in nature. Maybe I'll blog one next week just for fun. I like your old photographs as well. People can sure look creepy in B/W and without smiling!
ReplyDeleteYour paintings with the Longhorn cow skull in sounds fascinating - I'll keep an eye on your blog in case you do publish one. You're right about people looking creepy in the old photographs. There has been a lot of interest from fellow bloggers, but I hope to get out and find some more 'faces on trees' [see early blogs]
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Laurie
I collect 'natural' things unearthed in our old garden, from sculls to fossils, even shells from birds' eggs (once hatched, I often find them on the ground) and birds' nests once the season is over; even lichen fallen from ancient apple trees.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann,
ReplyDeleteYour collection of natural things sounds fascinating. It triggered a memmory of once finding a beautiful birds nest made of green moss. It was so soft.
Laurie