Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Shoemaker.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Jessica, the artist and creator behind Southern Curiosities. I create whimsical taxidermy and Victorian-inspired nature art.
It’s a tricky question to answer when I “started” because I’ve always been an artist and a creator. My journey into taxidermy and nature art started as a hobby, grew into a side hustle, and eventually became my full-time career.
My husband would often bring me home butterflies in frames from tattoo conventions, and together we started collecting bugs and butterflies we found on our morning walks. I remember thinking that if there was a way to preserve and display these little pieces of nature, I could figure it out. So I did.
At the time, I was working as a Marketing Manager for a Harley-Davidson dealership and spent my lunch breaks and late nights pinning insects just for fun. Eventually, people started seeing my work and asking if they could have pieces of their own. That’s how my Etsy shop was born.
As my curiosity grew, I expanded beyond insects and took a small taxidermy class that completely changed everything. A lightbulb went off, and I was hooked. What started as a creative outlet quickly became something much bigger. I began attending local art markets, sharing my work with others, and watching Southern Curiosities grow from a small side project into what felt like a second full-time job.
I found myself spending more and more time thinking about my next creation and counting down the hours until I could get back to my studio. With the love and support of my husband, I finally took the leap and made Southern Curiosities my full-time career in the spring of 2023, and I’ve been full throttle ever since.
From a tiny Etsy shop created out of curiosity to traveling to expos and conventions and launching my own website, it has been an incredible journey. I’m excited to see where this strange, wonderful little adventure takes me next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been very fortunate that my journey has been a beautiful one, but it definitely has not been without its challenges. There have been plenty of unexpected detours and bumps along the way, and while they weren’t always easy, they have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
A lot of what I do has been self-taught, so there have been many moments of trial and error. With any art form, there are pieces that don’t turn out the way you imagined, techniques that take countless attempts to master, and days where you question yourself. Those moments can be difficult, but they have also been where I’ve grown the most.
On the business side, transitioning Southern Curiosities from a passion project into a full-time career came with its own learning curve. Running a creative business means wearing many different hats, from not just creating the artwork itself but to managing finances, marketing, customer service, and everything in between. Having the marketing manager background was definitely a huge help in that department!
Thankfully, I have been incredibly lucky to have built such a supportive community around my work. The people who connect with my art, share my love for nature and curiosity, and continue to support Southern Curiosities have made this journey possible. Their encouragement has helped me push through the difficult moments and continue creating.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I explain what I do, I usually describe it as whimsical taxidermy and nature art. That answer often gets a curious “oh, that’s interesting” response until people actually see the pieces. I like to think of my work as something that lives somewhere between a Victorian curiosity cabinet and a fairy tale. Think Dinner for Schmucks meets Stuart Little, but with a focus on honoring the beauty of the animals themselves.
I specialize in creating small mammal taxidermy, especially mice, rats, and other woodland creatures, and placing them into storybook scenes where they feel like tiny characters with their own personalities. Alongside my taxidermy work, I also create insect and butterfly displays using vintage frames, antique pieces, and natural elements to create one-of-a-kind works of art.
At the heart of every piece is a deep respect for the animals I work with. All of my specimens are sustainably sourced, and I approach each creation with the goal of preserving their beauty while giving them a new purpose and story. I want people to see these animals not as objects, but as little lives that deserve to be appreciated and remembered.
What I am most proud of is the way my work creates a sense of wonder. Each piece is carefully composed using vintage frames, antique ceramics, miniature props, and natural materials to build a tiny world that invites people to stop, look closer, and imagine the story behind it.
I think what sets Southern Curiosities apart is the combination of natural history and storytelling. I draw inspiration from curiosity cabinets, the imaginative work of Walter Potter, classic Disney films, and the incredible creativity found in nature itself. My goal is to create pieces that feel nostalgic, magical, and just a little unexpected.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The things that matter most to me are respect, sustainability, and honoring nature. Working with animals that have passed is a responsibility I do not take lightly. Every creature I work with had a life, and I believe each one deserves to be treated with care, intention, and appreciation. Every piece I create is made with the goal of honoring that animal and preserving its beauty in a meaningful way.
Sustainability is also one of the cornerstones of Southern Curiosities. The natural world is the foundation of my work, and I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that I am contributing to its preservation rather than taking from it. I carefully source every specimen I use and prioritize ethical, sustainable practices.
For my insect and butterfly displays, I work with specimens sourced from reputable aviaries and farms that support conservation, research, and education. Many of these facilities help maintain healthy populations by releasing specimens back into their natural environments, while those that pass in captivity can then be preserved and used by artists, educators, and scientists.
For my mammal specimens, I work with a variety of responsible sources, including local farmers, breeders, and wildlife rehabilitation organizations. When I receive animals from a local wildlife rehabilitation center after an unfortunate loss, I donate 10% of the sales from those pieces back to support their ongoing efforts to care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to give these animals a second life through my art. My hope is that each piece encourages people to appreciate the natural world, feel a connection to it, and remember the importance of respecting the creatures we share it with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southerncuriosities.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southerncuriosities
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southerncuriosities
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SouthernCuriosities
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@southerncuriosities
