What Is Soft Mount Taxidermy
Soft mount taxidermy is a type of taxidermy where the animal’s head is mounted on a hard foam form or the real skull.
Soft mounts are characterized by a soft and floppy body and legs, which are filled with poly-fil and doll armature.
These mounts can be posed using doll armature, although it is not necessary.
While soft mounts resemble soft toys, it is important to note that they are made with dead animals.
It is also worth mentioning that all taxidermy specimens and fur/feathers used in soft mounts are ethically and responsibly sourced.
The materials typically come from road-kill, euthanized wildlife, or animals acquired from vets and organizations like the RSPCA.
No animals were killed specifically for making soft mount pieces.
Due to the delicate nature of the face and the materials used, soft mounts are not recommended for children.
For more information on price lists, available specimens, casing servicing, and habitat restoration, one can contact taxtiles.taxidermy@gmail.com.
Did You Know?
1. Soft mount taxidermy is a technique used to preserve and display animals with a lifelike appearance and a soft, flexible body.
2. Soft mount taxidermy originated in Japan and is often referred to as “kemono” in the Japanese culture, which means “beast” or “animal” in English.
3. Unlike traditional taxidermy, soft mount taxidermy does not require the removal of bones or internal organs. Instead, the animal’s skin is carefully preserved and mounted onto a flexible form made from materials like foam or wire.
4. Soft mount taxidermy is commonly used to preserve and display animals that are difficult to mount using traditional methods, such as small mammals, birds, or creatures with fragile structures.
5. Soft mount taxidermy is a popular technique among artists and collectors who prefer a more artistic and flexible approach to displaying animals, as it allows for a wider range of poses and expressions.
Soft Mount Taxidermy: A Unique Approach To Animal Preservation
Soft mount taxidermy is a fascinating and unique form of taxidermy that offers a creative approach to preserving and displaying animals. In this method, the animal’s head is mounted on a hard foam form or the actual skull, while the body and legs are made to be soft and floppy using materials such as poly-fil and doll armature. This distinctive approach to taxidermy not only captures the essence of the animal but also presents it in a way that seamlessly combines traditional preservation techniques with artistic expression.
It’s important to note that all taxidermy specimens and fur/feathers used in soft mounts are ethically and responsibly sourced. No animals are killed specifically for the purpose of creating soft mount pieces. Instead, the materials used often come from road-kill, euthanized wildlife, or animals acquired from vets and organizations like the RSPCA. This ensures that soft mounts are created in an ethical manner, respecting the natural world and the animals that inhabit it.
The Anatomy Of A Soft Mount: From Head To Floppy Legs
Soft mounts are a distinctive form of taxidermy that showcases plush and flexible bodies. These lifelike appearances are achieved by using poly-fil and doll armature. Unlike traditional taxidermy, where the head is mounted on a hard foam form or the real skull, a soft mount’s body is filled with soft materials. This process adds an artistic and playful touch to the traditional taxidermy approach.
Creating a soft mount requires meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. The taxidermist carefully shapes the soft exterior to mimic the natural contours and features of the animal. By using poly-fil and doll armature, they achieve a realistic texture and weight, making the soft mount feel remarkably lifelike.
Key points:
- Soft mounts feature plush and flexible bodies
- They are made using poly-fil and doll armature
- The head is typically mounted on a hard foam form or the real skull
- The rest of the body is filled with soft materials
- Soft mounts offer a more playful and artistic representation of the animal
Posing Possibilities: Exploring The Artistic Potential Of Soft Mounts
One of the exciting aspects of soft mount taxidermy is the ability to pose the animal in various positions. The use of doll armature allows for a wide range of movement, enabling taxidermists to create dynamic and lifelike poses. This artistic freedom adds another layer of creativity to the soft mount process, as the position of the animal can reflect its natural behavior or be posed in a way that enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
While the use of doll armature offers posing possibilities, it’s important to note that posing is not a requirement for soft mounts. Some taxidermists may choose to let the soft mount retain a relaxed and natural posture, allowing the viewer to appreciate the animal in a more peaceful and serene state. The flexibility in posing options provides taxidermists with the opportunity to showcase their artistic vision and capture the unique essence of each animal.
- Doll armature allows for a wide range of movement
- Posing is not required for soft mounts
- Soft mounts can have a relaxed and natural posture
- Provides flexibility to showcase artistic vision
- Captures the unique essence of each animal
Safety Considerations: Soft Mount Taxidermy And Children
Due to the delicate nature of soft mounts and the materials used, it is not recommended for children. The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in creating soft mounts can be easily damaged or compromised by rough handling. Furthermore, the materials, including poly-fil, may pose a choking hazard to young children if not securely fastened.
To ensure the safety of soft mounts, it is crucial to display them in a secure and protected manner, out of reach of curious hands. While soft mounts can inspire wonder and appreciation for the natural world, it is important to exercise caution and enjoy these artistic preservation pieces responsibly.
Soft Mounts As Art Dolls: Merging Artistry And Natural Elements
Soft mounts blur the lines between taxidermy and art dolls, creating unique pieces that merge artistry with natural elements. The combination of traditional taxidermy techniques and the incorporation of soft, plush materials allows for a seamless fusion of artistic expression and the preservation of animals.
These art pieces offer a fresh and imaginative take on taxidermy, showcasing the beauty of animals in a new and captivating way. By bringing together the craftsmanship of taxidermy with the creativity of doll making, soft mounts create a visual impact that is both striking and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, soft mount taxidermy represents a unique approach to animal preservation, encapsulating the beauty of animals in a way that melds traditional preservation techniques with artistic expression. Through the use of soft materials, posing possibilities, and the careful sourcing of materials, soft mounts offer a captivating and ethically responsible form of taxidermy. Whether admired as art dolls or appreciated as a distinct preservation method, soft mounts ensure that the essence and beauty of animals can be enjoyed for generations to come. For further information on prices, available specimens, casing servicing, and habitat restoration, interested individuals can contact taxtiles.taxidermy@gmail.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hard mount and soft mount taxidermy?
Hard mount taxidermy involves preserving and mounting the animal in a rigid and unmoving state. The animal is typically posed in a natural or lifelike position and mounted on a solid base. This method provides a long-lasting and visually striking display, often with the animal appearing as it would in its natural habitat. On the other hand, soft mount taxidermy offers a different approach by combining preservation techniques with a more touchable and flexible result. Animals are stuffed with padding material and designed to be pleasant to handle. Soft mounts may utilize a wire armature to provide support and allow for posing, offering a more dynamic and interactive display option compared to hard mounts. This technique allows for a closer examination of the animal’s texture and features, creating a unique and engaging experience.
What is a taxidermy mount called?
A taxidermy mount is commonly referred to as a trophy mount, which typically consists of a shoulder mount of a game animal. Another type of taxidermy mount is a full body mount, where the entire body of the animal is meticulously posed and articulated to resemble its natural stance. This is achieved by attaching the preserved hide to an internal manikin, which serves as the skeletal structure and shape of the animal. Through the art of taxidermy, these mounts are created to replicate the beauty and lifelike appearance of the original animal.
How many types of taxidermy are there?
There are three main types of taxidermy techniques used: skin mounts, reproductions, and the freeze-dried method. Skin mounts involve preserving the animal’s skin and attaching it to a mannequin or replica of its body. Reproductions, on the other hand, use synthetic materials to create a lifelike replica of the animal. Lastly, the freeze-dried method involves a process where the animal is frozen and its moisture is extracted, resulting in a preserved specimen. These techniques encompass the art of taxidermy, which derives its name from the Greek words “taxi” and “derma”, meaning moving skin.
What is the difference between hard-mount and soft mount washers?
Hard-mount and soft-mount washers differ in their mounting system and laundry capacity. Hard-mount washers are designed to be bolted to the ground, ensuring stability during the spin cycle. These washers have a lower g-force compared to soft-mount washers because they rely on the strength of the bolted connection to prevent excessive vibration. In contrast, soft-mount washers incorporate shock-absorbing engineering, eliminating the need for floor bolting. This allows them to reach higher g-forces, as the shock absorption minimizes vibrations and maintains stability without being anchored to the ground. Consequently, soft-mount washers can handle larger laundry loads while still achieving superior cleaning and efficient drying.