Hannah Berta - Papier-Mâché Taxidermy

Hannah Berta is an artist from the magical coast of Maine. She attended the University of Maine in Orono where she became a certified teacher and graduated in 2015 with a degree in Art Education. It was there during a printmaking class that she discovered the meditative joys of cut-paper and fell in love with paper as a medium for its accessible & transformative nature. She’s been unstoppable ever since.

In recent years, Hannah’s love for paper has resulted in “papier-mâché taxidermy.” Hannah’s delightful catalog of Maine critters are made as caricatures of her fuzzy & feathered neighbors which make migratory appearances through her yard & vistas as the seasons change. Her process is elementary- using the same shredded newspaper & paste mixture that we all have at some point during childhood. What makes these unique objets d’art stand apart is her meticulous and charming acrylic patinas glossing the surface. Meant as a sculpture, a wall-hanging — many even stand upright — these charismatic creatures are intended to teach recognition of Maine wildlife & become beloved characters ‘round the house.