My name is Trina, and I'm a 22 year old taxidermist and artist in Northern California. I grew up on a 16 acre farm in Jackson, and I've been interested in wildlife ever since I was a small child. I remember waiting every month for Ranger Rick magazine to arrive, so I could tear out the pages and draw whatever I thought were the coolest looking animals being profiled that month.

As I grew older, my interests changed slightly; In my pre-teens I belonged to a 4-H group and joined the NRA, receiving American Hunter magazine every month (a far cry from Ranger Rick). I continued to draw animals, people, and cars, mainly to show at fair.

I was president of my 4-H club in high school, and enjoyed it very much. I raised chickens, dairy goats, and, during my last year, lambs for market. I didn't think I'd be able to raise a lamb for auction, because I get attached to everything I come into contact with, but I was able to stand in the auction arena with a smile on my face, and sell my lamb. Didn't shed a tear.

Art has been a huge part of my life. I enjoy photography, but my passion has always been drawing. I draw just about everything, but focus more on dogs, people, wildlife, and ranch type artwork. I work with many mediums. I prefer graphite pencil, but also enjoy oil painting, colored pencil, and pastel. As I mentioned before, I've entered quite a few of my pieces into our county fair, and have won many first place, and best of division awards and ribbons. There's nothing more fulfilling than taking a blank piece of paper and turning it into a personal masterpiece.

I love fish!!! Especially large predatory fish. I like the little guys too, though. I have a huge tank with a Red Tail Giant Gourami, a Giant Gourami, a Blue Phantom Pleco, a Gold Nugget Pleco, and a Tiger Shovelnose Catfish. I need a bigger tank, and more room for this ever-growing fishy habit.

I started getting into taxidermy this year... It all started with a raccoon and the world wide web. I did my homework, and decided that taxidermy was something I wanted to try. Not wanting to rush into a business I knew little about, I decided to go to an actual taxidermy school to get a little formal education. I attended an 8 week course at Academy of Realistic Taxidermy. I learned more than I thought was possible.

I have a wonderful family who never discouraged my interests. My mother and father, home schooled me from the fifth grade on. They always encouraged learning everything we could about subjects we were interested in. My mother, Teri, was very gracious to devote her time to us kids, and our interests. She now raises dairy goats for soap making, and meat goats for, well... meat. My dad, Mike, is a computer programmer. He's the reason I have this website. Thank you, Dad! I have two younger siblings. My sister, Christi, is heavily into animals. She has a Holland Lop Rabbit breeding program, and has A LOT of rabbits. She also raises horses, chickens, sheep and goats. My brother, Jim, is into guitars and the other typical teenage boy things.

When I'm not doing taxidermy or drawing, I enjoy spending time with my fiance, Mason. He's been extremely supportive of my little habits (or obsessions), even donating his time to help me get some of my equipment designed and built...

That about covers it... Any questions? Feel free to e-mail me.
Or call me @ 209-559-2990 Tuesday through Saturday.

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