Have you ever walked into a room and felt like the eyes of a taxidermied deer or owl were following your every move?
It’s not just your imagination—there’s a fascinating story behind those lifelike eyes in every mount.
At Turn’ER Wild Taxidermy, we understand the importance of those eyes in bringing a taxidermized animal to life, so let’s talk about why they seem to follow you, and share some fun stories that make this craft so magical!
The Secret Behind Lifelike Eyes in Taxidermy
Have you ever wondered how taxidermists make an animal’s eyes so realistic?
It’s a blend of art, science, and a bit of magic.
When we create a taxidermied animal, one of the most important elements is the eyes.
They are carefully crafted to give the mount a lifelike appearance, making it seem as though the animal is watching you wherever you go.
Why Do Taxidermized Animals’ Eyes Follow You?
Imagine walking through your living room and feeling like a majestic owl is staring right at you.
It’s not just about the direction the eyes are set; it’s about how we design them.
Here’s why they seem to follow you:
Eye Positioning: We position the eyes at a slight angle to give the illusion that the animal is looking straight ahead. This positioning makes it appear as though the animal is tracking your movement across the room.
Glass and Reflection: The type of glass we use and the angle at which the eyes are set can create a reflection that mirrors your movements. This clever use of reflection tricks your brain into thinking the animal is following your movement.
Attention to Detail: From the texture of the eyelids to the color and depth of the irises, we meticulously craft each detail to enhance realism. The more detailed the eyes, the more lifelike and interactive the mount feels.
“Their Eyes Follow Me”
One day, a customer brought in a beautiful whitetail deer for us to mount.
After we completed the taxidermy, the customer couldn’t stop marveling at the eyes.
“It’s like the eyes follow me wherever I go,” she told us with a laugh.
We explained the techniques behind it, but her amazement was genuine.
It’s moments like these that remind us why we love what we do—creating mounts that feel almost alive and adding a touch of magic to your space.
The Craftsmanship Behind Realistic Eyes
Creating those captivating eyes isn’t a simple task.
It requires a deep understanding of animal anatomy, lighting, and human perception.
Here’s a peek into the process!
Selecting the Right Eyes
We start by choosing eyes that match the species of the animal. Different animals have different eye shapes, sizes, and colors. Matching these accurately is key to achieving realism.
Painting and Finishing
Each eye is hand-painted with incredible detail. We add layers of color and shading to mimic natural depth and sparkle. This step is important in making the mount appear moist and lifelike.
Setting the Eyes
Once the eyes are painted, they are carefully set into the mount. We use techniques that allow for slight movement and reflection, enhancing the illusion that the animal is tracking your movements.
Final Touches
The final touches involve adjusting the mount’s position and ensuring that the lighting in your room complements the mount. Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how lifelike appearance of your animal.
Why Realistic Eyes Matter
You might be asking yourself, why so much focus on the eyes?
Most consider eyes as the windows to the soul, and this holds true for taxidermy mounts as well.
Realism adds personality and presence to the mount, making it a stunning centerpiece in any room.
They show emotions, spark conversations, and bring a sense of life and spirit to your space.
Enhancing Your Space
A mount with lifelike eyes can transform a room. It adds an element of nature, a touch of the wild, and a unique aesthetic that’s hard to replicate with other décor.
Whether it’s a majestic eagle, a noble stag, or a wise owl, the eyes of these mounts make them truly captivating.
Creating Lasting Memories
To most hunters, a taxidermied mount is more than just an ornament; it’s a memory of a cherished hunting trip or a beloved pet.
The realism helps preserve those memories, allowing you to relive moments and share stories with family and friends.
Caring for Your Taxidermized Mount
To keep those your mount looking vibrant and lifelike, proper care is important.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your mount stays stunning for years to come.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the paint and damage the eyes. Position your mount away from windows or use UV-protective glass.
- Control Humidity: High humidity can cause mold and mildew, which can damage the eyes and overall mount. You can use a dehumidifier in the room if necessary.
- Regular Cleaning: Dust your mount regularly using a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the eyes and paint.
- Stable Environment: Keep your mount in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels to prevent warping and cracking.
At Turn’ER Wild Taxidermy, we take pride in crafting mounts that seem to follow you, adding a touch of enchantment to your home or office.
The eyes are not just a feature; they’re the heart of the mount, bringing it to life and making it a cherished piece of art.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a wildlife enthusiast, we design our mounts to capture the essence and spirit of Pennsylvania’s unique wildlife.
Contact us today at Turn’ER Wild Taxidermy to discuss your next lifelike taxidermized animal that captivates and inspires!