Behind The Scenes

by Larry Reese

| Part 1: the Zebra | Part 2: the Warthog |

Click On Pictures For Enlargements.

THE WARTHOG
Now for the Warthog. Mitch and I decided to do something extreme that would show a lot of action. It was decided we would turn the head and tilt it downward as it is looking at the ground (more on this reason later). We also wanted the body in a slight "U" turn to the left and the front half twisted. This Warthog will also be leaping into the air off one leg under the Zebra.

Now you can see the piece coming together. The illusion we wanted to present the viewers was a African Bushman throwing his spear at the warthog whose body is trying to avoid the impact. His eyes are focused on the spear as it is flying through the air and he is twisting to avoid it. The Zebra is also fleeing from the attacker and has to leap over the fleeing Warthog. The Zebra's head is turned downward and his left eye focused on the Warthogs movement. Mitch is holding the spear in the location that it will be when the piece is finally finished. You guessed it. The spear will also be suspended in air

Now we have the Warthog in the position we want. I am test fitting the hide to see what alterations are needed for a perfect fit. Again notice the reference book as we will need to sculpt in muscles and other details that are not present on mannequins.

Now that we have the mannequin altered to fit this skin it is back to the task of sewing. Here Mitch is working on the face as I sew up the belly and legs while cursing the African skinners.

Here are two views of the mounts after they were placed together. Once again notice the reference pictures on the picture to the far right. You can see the Warthog twisting his body to avoid the spear and the Zebra needing to keep his eye on the Warthog as he leaps over.

This is a close up to show you the eye of the Warthog that is focused toward the spear. All the detail you see on the face, neck, and shoulder was all sculpted in by hand using our reference pictures.

The mounts are now ready to dry. They will be checked every few hours to insure that all the detail is being retained. Adjustments will be made if needed until the skins are completely dried. Then the finish work will be performed and the base built. The animals will then be transferred to it with the spear.

BACK: To The Zebra

Mitch Cain, who is a very talented taxidermist and close friend, is one of the few taxidermists that I would recommend. As I have written in other articles, he is one you need to seek out if you want high quality work.

No, I never did get to go hunting or fishing.. Mitch says come back; we will have more time the next time...RIGHT. I told him, slave labor is against the law. I have invited him to my shop in November to hunt.... I will be all ready for him. :)

If you'd like to see the completed mount in person and meet Mitch and I, come to the 2002 SCI National Show March 20-23, 2002 at Las Vegas, NV and say HI !

Larry C. Reese Wildlife Artistry Taxidermy

| Part 1: the Zebra | Part 2: the Warthog |