I am a sculptor, fabricator and observer who grew up exploring forests, stories and history, which has grown into an affection for the slower creation of quality objects and art. I believe that in this age of production, consumption and detritus such creative practice is both a pleasure and a necessary expression of activism.
This is a new blog series where we’ll tell you about the different careers in the museum world through interviews with people who work here at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
I am a sculptor, fabricator and observer who grew up exploring forests, stories and history, which has grown into an affection for the slower creation of quality objects and art. I believe that in this age of production, consumption and detritus, such creative practice is both a pleasure and a necessary expression of activism.
Central to my work is a focus on form and detail, sometimes involving blacksmithing and weaving, film photography or a variety of other media. My main focus is on metal work, especially steel, which inspired my training as a professional steel fabricator and welder. I currently build custom mounts for museum displays and welcome private commissions.
What does a Mount Maker do?
I build metal armatures and supports for any specimens or objects on display in museums, as well as certain delicate specimens for storage. Each mount is customized to its specimen.
What skills do you need to be a Mount Maker?
Knowledge & skill in fabricating, soldering and welding various metals; using plastics, paint, adhesives, glues, wood, foam, mat-board and other materials to create supports. Being able to assess the type and strength of support required by each specimen (i.e. a fossil in a large rock versus a 2 gram hummingbird) determines the material needed, as does how it needs to be displayed: on a plinth or in a drawer. You have to be flexible, adaptable, creative and curious.
How does your work as an artist help you as a Mount Maker?
All mounts require creative thinking and problem solving, even if they look like a bunch of the same thing. A whole cluster of conch shells, for example, would still require a support made for each one. The key aspect is that I need to think creatively while using all my fine motor and technical skills. This isn’t a right- versus left-brain situation – they have to work together.
Tell us about a favourite project you’ve worked on.
Oh, umm (sifting through hundreds of mounts)… I think it’s a toss-up between the magnifying lens mount I did for the jumping spiders’ shadowbox in the Entomology collection and the hummingbirds mount that’s in the backyard case in the Backyard Biodiversity exhibit.
Both were challenging due to their complexity and delicacy of the specimens involved. I love being challenged because I learn something new every time.
The metal mount for the hummingbirds and a hummingbird pinned to dry into the position for the mount – flying while sipping from a honeysuckle flower.
Precious, the hummingbird, about to be fastened to the mount. The mount almost complete with hummingbirds and honeysuckle.
What drew you to work at the Beaty Museum?
I got offered a job (3-months-less-a-day job) by the Exhibits Manager at the Beaty in October 2010, and naturally said “Of course!” I’ve been here ever since. Of all the jobs I’ve held as an adult, Mount Making is my favourite by far.
What sorts of tips would you give to someone coming to the Beaty for the first time?
Staff or visitors?
Look in the drawers!
Really look at things, wherever you go. It’s too easy to pass by the beauty held in the world.
What is your favourite mount on display now in our temporary exhibition Backyard Biodiversity?
Well, hummingbirds, of course 😉
Tell us about your art on display now
I’ve participated in 2014’s East Side Culture Crawl. I showed a bunch of sculptures I made when I went to Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk to learn blacksmithing and metal casting, as well as newer experiments involving cotton and rust, film photography from many wanderings near and far, and a portfolio showing off the various custom contracts I’ve worked on since 2013’s Culture Crawl.
These were on display at my collective studio, the Vancouver Community Laboratory, along with a bunch of other very talented makers and artists. We (the CoLab) are located at 1907 Triumph Street, on the corner of Victoria Drive between Hastings and Powell streets.
Three pieces by Lesha Koop – Industrial Leftovers – II, cast bronze belt buckle, Urn for Coral Reefs, cast aluminum, and Body Sculpture – I, forged steel. Photos and art by Lesha Koop.
If you want to know more about the Crawl, visit
culturecrawl.ca/buildings/vancouver-community-laboratory