For over forty years my father, taxidermist Eino Kivisalu , used the dry method of taxidermy to preserve his popular bird mounts. As a child I was always fascinated by his story and our shared history. It is this rich history that gives meaning to the work I do today. 

After immigrating from Estonia as a child, Eino settled with his family in the Hudson River Valley. Surrounded by the stunning palisades and living in a region host to countless bird species he became fascinated with all types of waterfowl. As a migration path, the Hudson offered Eino many unique opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitat. 

What started as a childhood interest developed into a high school fascination and a lifelong love affair with birds of all types. As his icon John James Audubon, my father Eino spent countless hours with the birds. Eventually his passion resulted in a Doctorate Degree from Cornell University in Wildlife Biology (class of 71).  Throughout his lifetime Eino studied birds through observation, followed migration patterns, developed sketches, formed intricate wood carvings and ultimately pursued taxidermy. 

Many of his creations are still on prominent display in various locations.