Labrador Retriever Bust Question

There is currently a Taxidermist in Arkansas that has made them for years. Here is his info Jason Grady (501) 593-8236.

 

I'm guessing the guy YOU'RE referring to was Ivan Harvey and his "busts" were horrific. He called his forms "Pretty Close" but by today's standards, that was a stretch. Ivan died some time back. If you want a Lab bust that looks like a live Lab, Jason is the only place to get one.

 

That's Ivans and IMO, it's terrible. Put one of Jason's up beside it and have a look for yourself.

 

Facebook page, Jason's Taxidermy and Sculptures, or call him he will answer any questions you may have. There is no comparison in his and the one you postd.

 

You'll have to contact his family. A copyright is usually passed along and it would be unlawful.

And it's none of my business, but your logic escapes me. Some things in life shouldn't be owned by those too damned cheap or too broke to pay the price. No way would I mount anything on a product that didn't make my work look better. The Jonas paper forms looked great in 1960 but they'd be laughed out of my shop if I used one today.

 

LOL You really don't know me well. I turn business away quite often. I'm old, I'm set in my ways, I don't believe "the customer is always right", and I realized long, long ago that there were people that had velvet Elvis paintings hanging in their living rooms and I really didn't need their business. I understand that my name goes on every piece that leaves my shop and though the client may tell you he would tell his friends that was the way he'd requested, I know two things: (1) he lies, and (2) some of his friends know he lies as well. They're the ones who tell THEIR friends not to bring anything to me because I trashed their buddy's mount.

I wouldn't know Jason if I ran into him, but I do know that I had two of Ivan's dogs in my attic at one time. When I saw Jason's, I gave the two I had away. I've given a mini-flesher away for the same reasons. I've never felt my work was good enough that it couldn't use the best help available to me and I simply don't do it. Just last week I had a client complaining I was too high. I told him twice that he'd probably be happier taking it to someone else and that I'd probably be just as happy if he did. He left it here. This is a tough business to make a living at and selling yourself short never helps. I charge a premium price for a premium product. I don't hesitate to contract out or to hire World Champions to do work for special clients. It's paid back in spades for nearly 60 years now and when I close that door for the final time (or it closes on me), I'm not going to worry about ever short changing anyone.

 

Id wager that some of the jonas mounts on the old paper forms are way better than you could do on a modern foam form

 

Byrdman, I thought about that after I'd written, and I know for a fact that you're correct. I've refurbished a few old mounts done on paper forms and was simply amazed at the talent displayed on some of them. But then again, we both know they modified and amplified those expressionless forms with their talent and clay.

 

George, I just read your reply concerning quality and all the logic that goes along with it .. I take that outlook as very sound advice . Thanks for sharing your thoughts !! Sincerely , Phillip Hall

 

We’re you able to pursue this any further and recreate those busts?

 

This is a 6 year old thread you brought back up . McKenzie sell bust .

 

Heck , I’d copy the dang thing probably make it better .. the guy has passed away .. doubt he will care