Creator Statement

Pretty Dead Decor was born from my love of the unusual, the overlooked, and the beauty that can be found in things that have already lived a life.

I am a self-taught South African artist and the woman behind Pretty Dead Decor. As its sole creator, I make every piece from beginning to end. I personally clean, prepare and disinfect the bones and natural materials I work with, taking great care to ensure that each piece is handled respectfully and safely before it becomes part of an artwork.

Ethical sourcing is at the heart of everything I do. Over the years, I have built a trusted network of people who gift me bones and specimens they come across. I also collect roadkill. I create memorial pieces honouring loved ones and beloved animals, preserving something meaningful in their memory. Nothing is simply a material to me; every specimen is treated with appreciation, care and respect.

Questions are always welcome. Please feel free to ask about the origin of any animal or insect in my work. I am happy to share the details, because ethical sourcing and transparency are deeply important to me.

I name each of my creations, giving them their own personality and story. For me, Pretty Dead Decor is not about death - it is about preservation, curiosity and giving beautiful creatures and forgotten oddities a second chance to be appreciated.

Every piece is individually created by hand, making each one unique.