About
I have always been fascinated by the animal kingdom. It fascinates me that humankind has the desire to document, preserve, examine, exhibit, and integrate this beauty in the artificial life of humans. I started with taxidermy 9 years ago to integrate taxidermied birds into my sculptural work. I pursued my studies in visual art at HKU and obtained a Masters in art policy and management from the University of Utrecht. Today, I am a full-time taxidermist and educator exploring the fields of interior design.
While taxidermy has a scientific function, I also see my mounted birds as statement pieces designed to be proudly displayed in living spaces. For me, taxidermy is about capturing beauty and life in my work. Each piece is meticulously crafted, and I pay great attention to detail to ensure that every feather, expression, and natural pattern is preserved with precision.
My vision is to go beyond traditional taxidermy and create pieces that not only celebrate the natural world but also evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the birds themselves. I believe that by showcasing the beauty of nature through art, we can foster a deeper connection between viewers and wildlife.
Ethical sourcing and conservation are at the forefront of my practice, this plays a vital role in my artistic vision. I am dedicated to obtaining my birds responsibly.
Daniëlle: I always have been fascinated by nature and the animal kingdom.
the
maker
ABOUT
‘It fascinates me that humankind has the desire to document, preserve, examine, exhibit, and integrate nature in the artificial life of humans.’
I started with taxidermy 10 years ago to integrate taxidermied birds into my sculptural work. I pursued my studies in visual art at HKU and obtained a Masters in art policy and management from the University of Utrecht. Today, I am a full-time taxidermist and educator exploring the fields of interior design.
While taxidermy has a scientific function, I also see my mounted birds as statement pieces designed to be proudly displayed in living spaces. For me, taxidermy is about capturing beauty and life in my work. Each piece is meticulously crafted, and I pay great attention to detail to ensure that every feather, expression, and natural pattern is preserved with precision.
My vision is to go beyond traditional taxidermy and create pieces that not only celebrate the natural world but also evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the birds themselves. I believe that by showcasing the beauty of nature through art, we can foster a deeper connection between viewers and wildlife.
Ethical sourcing and conservation are at the forefront of my practice, this plays a vital role in my artistic vision. I am dedicated to obtaining my birds responsibly.
Resumé
2018 Masterclass Taxidermy – Peter Sunesen | Copenhagen, Denmark |
2014-2015 Master of Arts Policy and Management | University Utrecht | Utrecht |
2013-2014 Pre-master of Arts Policy and Management | University Utrecht | Utrecht |
2008-2012 Bachelor of Fine Art and Design in Education | Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht
Awards
2023 First of professional medium sized birds ETC 2023
2023 First Mckenzie award ETC 2023
2023 Spitting image bird anatomy award ETC 2023
2023 Best of professional Division ETC 2023
2023 red ribbons in professional medium sized bird ETC 2023
2017 1 red ribbon Novice small bird ETC 2017
2016 4 x honorable mention Dutch Taxidermy Championships 2016
2012 2012 2nd place in Gallery Color photo competition |
Media
Algemeen dagblad 09-01-2023
‘Als iets weg is, is het weg’
Vooroordelen over mijn beroep
Na Het Nieuws do 21 nov 13:15 • BNNVARA • 26 min
Te gast: Docent strafrecht Luuk Esser, verpleegkundigen Britt Kraaijevanger en Ryan van den Oever, fotograaf Maartje ter Horst en taxidermist Daniëlle Frenken.
NRC 27 november 2019
‘Die vogels wil ik in mijn kunst verwerken’
Gouden handen, hebben ze. Fotograaf Maartje ter Horst legt jonge vrouwen vast die oude ambachten uitoefenen.
Algemeen Dagblad 06-08-19
– Verslaggever Rachel snijdt in een vogeltje: ‘Er komt een bepaalde liefde bij kijken’,
Vogelen in de balie , 01,07-2019 Amsterdam
In dit eerste programma staat de bijzonderste soort centraal: de vogelaar zelf. Wat drijft hem of haar om in volledig groen alle uithoeken van tuin, bos en berggebied af te speuren naar dat ene gesnavelde diertje?
Media
Algemeen dagblad 09-01-2023
‘Als iets weg is, is het weg’
Vooroordelen over mijn beroep
Na Het Nieuws do 21 nov 13:15 • BNNVARA • 26 min
Te gast: Docent strafrecht Luuk Esser, verpleegkundigen Britt Kraaijevanger en Ryan van den Oever, fotograaf Maartje ter Horst en taxidermist Daniëlle Frenken.
NRC 27 november 2019
‘Die vogels wil ik in mijn kunst verwerken’
Gouden handen, hebben ze. Fotograaf Maartje ter Horst legt jonge vrouwen vast die oude ambachten uitoefenen.
Algemeen Dagblad 06-08-19
– Verslaggever Rachel snijdt in een vogeltje: ‘Er komt een bepaalde liefde bij kijken’,
Vogelen in de balie , 01,07-2019 Amsterdam
In dit eerste programma staat de bijzonderste soort centraal: de vogelaar zelf. Wat drijft hem of haar om in volledig groen alle uithoeken van tuin, bos en berggebied af te speuren naar dat ene gesnavelde diertje?
