deborah simon embroiders the furless anatomy of bears

deborah simon embroiders the furless anatomy of bears
ursus americanus, 2013
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photo by dan wonderly

new york-based artist deborah simon walks the line between taxidermy and toy, fabricating a series of faux-bear sculptures that materialize their vulnerability to human-initiated adversity. the three species are meticulously crafted from clay, imitation fur, and embroidery tools, and hold near perfect proportions and facial likenesses to their living counterparts. influenced by the evolutionary process and biological classifications, simon crafts an embellished coat for each species — wearing it rather than their own — ornamented with intricate organ systems hand-stitched to their exterior.

ursus americanus, 2013
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photos by dan wonderly

the spine, bones, digestive track, and circulatory system sewn onto the fabric expose the mammals’ innards, drawing attention to the disturbing realization that skinning is an unfortunate threat for many of these animals. simon says ‘bears are the ultimate stuffed animals; both the iconic plush toy and the prized taxidermy specimen for hunters. most of all the sculptures deal with vulnerability; the vulnerability that the animals face from environmental degradation, conflicts with people, suburban sprawl and poaching. I particularly find the dichotomy between the defanged, declawed childhood toy and the fierce reality of a top predator fascinating.‘ simon’s work was recently exhibited at packer schopf gallery for context in miami coinciding with art basel miami beach 2013.

ursus maritimus (side view), 2012
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photo by dan wonderly

ursus maritimus, 2012
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photo by dan wonderly

ursus maritimus, 2012
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photos by dan wonderly

ursus arctos horribilus, 2013
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photo by dan wonderly

ursus arctos horribilus, 2013
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photos by dan wonderly 

ursus arctos horribilus, 2013
polymer clay, faux fur, linen, embroidery floss, acrylic paint, glass, wire and foam
22”h x 25”d x 19”w
photos by dan wonderly