- Where do I source my bones?
All of the bones that I use in my art are ethically sourced, and nothing I use is ever harmed or killed for my art. They mostly come from picking up and processing roadkill myself. I also work with other similar artists that ethically source their animal bones as well, and we will occasionally do trades. I have a couple of taxidermists that allow me to take bones and skulls from animals that their clients have trapped and don't want to use. So rather than have them go into the trash, I get to give them a beautiful second new life. I love to go get lost in the woods, and I have gone on many a forest walk and found many unexpected bone and skull bounties that I am always grateful for.
- How did I start making this type of art?
I have always found a quiet and dignified beauty in death. I hold the privilege of taking an animals remains and making them beautiful again, and I take that privilege very seriously. Every death deserves dignity, and I find it so very special that this was my calling. I have always collected things, and slowly transitioned into making those collections honor the animal that had passed in the most caring and naturally beautiful way I could. I always surround them in nature, as it's my belief that they would want to be lying in rest among what they were born into.
Every item used in my pieces is real. From stick to stone, moss to flower. Every bug, spider, bee, or cicada is ethically sourced as well. I have never bought or used moss from a bag, and the moss I do collect and use is sustainably sourced as well. It's so important to me to keep the living ecological specimens just as respected as the dead.
- Do I make custom pieces/pet memorials?
I absolutely love it when someone reaches out to me to make them something specifically for them. I promise you, nothing is too weird, and as long as it is something I can ethically source, I'll do my damndest to make your dreams a reality. Unfortunately due to the fragile nature of my work, and any shipping carriers' inability to deliver my pieces undamaged, I can only take custom requests locally. I am happy to make a bit of a drive to deliver your piece to a halfway point depending on where you live from Pittsburgh, so please don't hesitate to ask! The absolute pleasure of being able to memorialize your beloved pet for you, is one of the highest honors I have ever been given as an artist. I would be more than happy to be the person that can reunite you with your pet forever.
- You want to know about my candles?
I hand pour each candle I make using 100% organic soy wax, and through many searches, trial and error, I work with trusted fragrance companies to ensure that not only are my candles safe for you but for your pets as well. I do know that birds can be especially sensitive to fragrance, and for that reason with full disclosure, I am not 100% sure they are bird safe. While I have not had any negative feedback from any bird owners who have purchased my candles, I don't want to put a guarantee out there I can not personally attest to. I use wood wicks to help the longevity of my candles, which are 10oz. and have a 40+ hour burn time. I got really tired of spending money on candles that had terrible scent throw, tunneled on me, or lasted less than 24 hours. I wanted to create candles that I myself would buy, not just for the quality, but also for the uniqueness of their scents.
- Why is your wood wick not lighting?
Wood wicks can sometimes be finicky in their initial lighting, or staying lit at first. Sometimes it's just a matter of having a little patience with the wick, and sometimes unbeknownst to me, the wick is simply a dud. I always suggest initially lighting your candle vertically and making sure the entire wick catches before placing it down. If for whatever reason your candle is just not cooperating with you, no matter how you plead with it, please don't hesitate to reach out to me so that I can send you a replacement or a refund, whichever you would prefer.