Fox in Progress

I really have got no clue how this is going to come out, but this is the manikin for my gray fox pelt. It's not quite done and needs a little bit more muscle build up and some fortification around the joints to make sure he doesn't come apart...and a lot more work on the face... but this is him so far. His body is made out of foam (which is hell to work with in case you were wondering), his legs and tail are wire wrapped with wood wool stuff and a whole ton of string and covered in paper mache to make them stronger. His face is sculpted lightweight clay to mimic his skull, which I was originally going to use but time contraints limited me a little bit considering it takes a while to thoroughly clean off a skull.

I measured out the actual body of the bugger so the legs are actually that long even though it looks ridiculous. The neck measurement I'm actually not sure on because I was stupid and forgot to measure that, but the front legs won't be 100% attached until the skin is halfway on him so I can move them back if I need to. That's not exactly ideal but if that's what I have to do then whatever.

This has taken me forever and a half to do and it's pretty much been a trial and error process....and I almost gave up in frustration a couple of times because for a while nothing was working out... but I think it's all finally coming together. Funny thing is I could have just ordered a pre-made form from a taxidermy supplier. Hah. I always have to make things uber hard on myself... But I do think the pre-made forms take the fun out of it, not to mention animal bodies aren't really one size fits all... I'd much rather make my own, even if it almost kills me.

And whoever says taxidermy isn't art....