What is the Exquisite Creatures Exhibit about?
Exquisite Creatures is the culmination of over 25 years of working with, studying, and collecting obscure plants, minerals, and animals from all over the world. An inspiring and reverent intersection of Art, Nature, and Science, showcasing thousands of little-known, even undescribed, species in a completely new light.  

Are the organisms real? 
Yes, every specimen I work with is a real, once-living animal or plant. In nearly every case, the entire organism is preserved. The few exceptions: In some cases, fat or oil deposits must be removed to ensure perpetual preservation, and in some birds, fish, and lizards, eyeballs cannot be preserved. There is virtually no taxidermy in my exhibit. I believe that an encounter with an intact creature is more emotionally and spiritually powerful than an interaction with skin stretched over an artificial form. 

Where do the specimens you work with come from?
All vertebrates are reclaimed, meaning they die of natural or incidental causes, usually in captivity. I work with institutions and individuals from all over the world who are dedicated to animal husbandry and/or propagation. When the organisms in their care pass away, they are sent to me so that they can inspire future generations rather than being simply discarded. Some oceanic vertebrates are bycatch from fishing vessels. Specimens that are inadvertently caught that would otherwise be disposed of. 

The insects I work with are either farmed or wild-caught. Most entomologists consider both methods of harvesting to be environmentally net-positive. For more information on the ecology of insect collecting: https://christophermarley.com/pages/conservation

Oceanic invertebrates like crustaceans, urchins, and sea spiders are a mixed bag: most are bycatch or are found in fish markets around the world. Some are found by beachcombing, and some are collected by indigenous divers. 

Are the colors in the exhibit real?
All colors shown in the exhibit are true to life. In about 95% of cases, nothing whatsoever has been done to visibly alter the natural specimen. In some reptiles and in most fish and plants, preventative maintenance or color restoration is required. In such cases, restored colors are rarely quite as vivid as when the creature was alive, but we bring it as close as we can to its original vibrancy. 

Is there anything you don't work with?
I don't work with mammals for several reasons: First, mammals are a bit too close to home (we are mammals!) to allow for the type of perspective shift my work is meant to inspire. It is nearly impossible not to dwell on the mannerisms or life history of most mammals when we encounter them, so a focus on their design elements, such as texture or morphology, is less effective. Secondly, the exhibit is about discovery and wonder, which are less common emotions when encountering something already familiar. Lastly, one of my objectives has always been to throw more light and love onto those lesser-appreciated organisms.