medium-bird taxidermy (demoiselle crane), gold paper, metallic gold leaf;  
34in x 15in x 20in
 
When a bird lives and dies, it’s common for the feathers to have some damage or wear. Or to be missing completely. In the traditional world of taxidermy and preservation, these animals are deemed “undesirable” since they aren’t “perfect”. But to me, the imperfections tell a story, and highlighting them memorializes the creature as an individual. Gold and gilding are used by many traditions across the world to honor, embellish, even exalt a subject, from Egyptian furniture to Indian textiles to Japanese kintsugi. This crane in its flamboyant pose, and his gilded scars represent, the beauty of healing, the balance between fragility and resilience, and taking pride in the imperfect. 
Care-taxidermy should be kept in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations. Handling the piece is best done by holding the base and the leg to keep it stable.