(American, b. 1947) Over the past 55 years, Trailer McQuilkin, who is largely self taught, has mastered the art of imitation. McQuilkin, who works out of his studio in Mississippi, handcrafts jaw-droppingly detailed microhabitats of endangered plants and wildflowers. Each piece, taking a total of 2-6 months, is a meticulous study of nature using sheet copper, copper wire, metal primer, and oil paints. Upon closer inspection, each piece is delicately assembled and hand-painted to mimic nature down to the discoloration of fallen petals, insect-bitten leaves, and even the specific fauna that exist around the plants he’s recreating. McQuilkin dedicates his time to creating only a few, unique pieces each year as a result. Each are time-capsules, capturing and immortalizing rare and endangered plants for all to see and enjoy.
