Breathing Life into Death

Atropos Curios is the work of Jess Ellis, an artist based in Denver, CO. Jess creates Curioscapes; imaginative miniature worlds honoring elements of nature and science. These sculptures contain magic in the form of preserved insects, bones, stones, moss, and plants. Inspired by the natural curiosity assemblages of the Victorian Naturalists and the Wildlife Halls of modern science museums, Jess hopes to inspire wonder, curiosity, and understanding for our natural world. Each Curioscape is a reminder of the beauty that lies in death and its importance in the cycle of life.

Many of the specimens seen in Jess’s Curioscapes were once imperfect, with broken wings, missing limbs, or faded colors. The specimens used in these pieces, found already dead and sometimes in states of decay, are preserved and given new life as pieces of art; displaying a unique perspective of the significance of conservation and learning from the natural world around us. 

Jess’s artwork is created with longevity and archival quality in mind. She has professional experience learning insect pinning and preservation in a museum setting. It is of utmost importance to Jess that each animal she is preserving is treated with genuine respect and care. Jess hopes that her work can become a source of inspiration and scientific education for many generations to come. 

Curioscapes encapsulate actual pieces of the natural world into fantastical and imaginary scenes. Through integration of artistry and natural existence, creatures that are often overlooked or perceived as grotesque are given a new perspective. These works remind the viewer that science and magic exist all around us; eternally interwoven to make the world more wondrous. 

In addition to her Curioscapes, Jess also creates a series of bottles, vials, and other pieces for use in ritual practice, including Witch Bottles, and Deity Devotional Vessels. These tools are individually created in ceremony for specific intentions or to honor a specific deity.

You can find my work for purchase at Ritualcravt in Wheat Ridge, CO and Oracle Natural Science in Kansas City, MO. For further inquiries or to discuss becoming a stockist, please contact me via my Custom Request Form or email me at atropos.curios@gmail.com