Member Spotlight

Terry Johnson

I have been learning taxidermy since 1998.  It went very slowly until 2001 when I attended my first ATAA convention when I realized how much I didn't know and couldn't learn from books, videos and the school of hard knocks.  It was shortly thereafter that I met Gary Bruch, Jr. from Pennsylvania who deserves all of the credit for my success in this industry as he took me, and is still taking me to levels that I didn't think were attainable.  In addition to Gary, I have to give credit to all of those who have judged and critiqued my work, as well as gave seminars that opened doors to new ideas and methods as well.

As you all know, I stick pretty close to the aquatic side of taxidermy, and I am much more comfortable doing warm water fish than cold water fish.  Perhaps because that is what I started with and have the most access to.  My favorite has to be the smallmouth bass.  I love catching them, and I think they make a pretty good looking display when mounted.  I am not much for sewing, so you can be pretty certain that I won't be competing with a life size giraffe anytime soon.....

I firmly believe that for anyone wanting to become part of this art, that they need to attend the conventions.  It is there that information flows freely, and the ideas that one can take home from a show are endless.  I know that when I return from one, that I am inspired to tackle my next piece and incorporate all that I have learned since putting together my last piece.  I strive to have my next piece 2 points better than my last, which is sometimes pretty tough.  As a beginner, you have to put your ego aside, if only for a couple of days and listen to what the judges say.  If we were all critiqued by family and friends, taxidermy would not have gotten to the level of realism that we see today.  Lastly, at the shows you will meet some of greatest people that walk this earth with you.

I am originally from Superior, WI, a small town right at the tip of Lake Superior on the Minnesota border.  I moved to Arizona in 1987.  Too bad I didn't realize that I had a little bit of drive for mounting fish when I lived in the lake country of the upper Midwest!  I did bring my fishing skills though, and fished a lot up until my taxidermy work took over the time that I had for fishing.  We intend to get back to that this fall, and next spring.  Time will tell if those intentions become reality!  The one place that I haven't fished and want to is up in Wisconsin on the big lake.  It is called Chequamegon Bay and is a smallmouth bass fisherman's heaven. 

I am a product of the 80's, and haven't really left that time frame as I still prefer 80's Metal for my listening pleasure and also think that the movies produced then are still the best.  In addition to taxidermy, other things that take up my leisure time are running, gardening and watching races.  Pizza is no doubt my favorite food, although the Thanksgiving turkey dinner rates right up there as well.

The three words that best describe me?  Although those that know me could probably answer this best, I would choose detail-oriented, witty and stubborn.

Lastly, I want to thank the members of the ATAA for their trust in me to serve them in the Presidential role.  It has been a learning experience to say the least.  We hope that effort put forth has been satisfactory to all of you.  It truly is a labor of love, and to be able to give back to the industry that has given me, and those around me, many pleasant memories, is very gratifying.

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