Man creates art with deceased animals' remains

written by: Jeffrey Wolf Kevin Torres 08/21/2010



WAPITI, Wyo. - Hobbies vary depending on a person's interests. In the northwest corner of Wyoming, there is a man who makes art out of deceased animals' remains.

About 25 years ago, Charles Kirkham, Jr. took a new interest in the animals he loved. He decided to turn their bones and antlers into art.

"I buy and sell antlers," Kirkham said. "I buy every antler that comes in the door that I can afford."

Over the years, Kirkham has spent more than $1 million purchasing antlers. They come from a number of different animals.

"Mule deer, white tail, elk and moose [to name a few]," Kirkham said.

As a biologist, Kirkham always had a love for animals. That love grew even larger when he found out he can make art and a living off of their remains.

"I create chandeliers and lamps and candle holders out of the antler," he said. "I'm creating things I'll never be able to duplicate. I'll try to use all local antlers as much as possible."

Kirkham has collected plenty of game. It's pretty easy to find antlers and bones in the area he lives in, about 20 minutes east of Yellowstone National Park.

"Look in all directions," he said. "It's wonderful!"

If you're wondering how Kirkham survives, you should probably take a look at his prices. The prices of some of his items climb into the thousands.

"My repeat customers are really carrying me," he joked.

The art he creates is rare. So rare, it could take months, years, or even decades to complete.

"I might wait one year for one white tail antler for a chandelier or I might wait 25 years putting together certain deer antlers," Kirkham explained.

That's the sort of time you get to work on things when you live out in Kirkham's corner of the world.

From: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=149167&catid=222