Antilocapra (anti-low-capra)
: a genus of ruminants (the type of the family Antilocapridae) consisting of only a single living species, the American Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana).
Atelier (ah-tel-ee-ay)
: a workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer.
“Antilocapra Atelier was created to showcase the work of Allie Rae Daly. Her distinctive style is rooted in the traditions of early naturalists and artists who turned to the wild for inspiration; a lineage that reaches back before written history or spoken language.
Allie uses skulls as a natural canvas, always mindful not to obscure the inherent beauty of the animal. Her work invites us to take pride in our humanity and to honor the wild others who sustain our lives.”
Interview with the artist
Why the name Antilocapra Atelier?
“Well, the American Pronghorn is a special creature and I wanted to represent that in my business. A pronghorn was the first big game animal I ever hunted; that hunt had a profound effect on me as a human animal. It was a turning point in how I interact with nature. It was the moment I started participating in the food chain - started taking part in nature for the first real time. I also really appreciate the naturalists of the past and the way they named, drew and loved these creatures. I thought using Antilocapra would honor that. Atelier is the classic French word for studio or workspace and honestly I like the alliteration there, ha!”
How long have you been an artist/naturalist?
“Well, my entire life honestly. My mom always talks about how I would much rather be playing with bugs instead of dolls. I used to catch frogs, birds, snakes, fish (with my bare hands) - I just loved being in the muck. I’ve been an artist since I can remember. I’ve explored just about every medium and style there is.”
Why paint skulls?
“I’ve been trying to find the medium that truly excites me for a long time. I’ve always been hesitant to become a full time artist, until I discovered using natural canvases. For me, painting on skulls is a way to honor, not only the animal, but the natural beauty and heritage of the environments that sustain us. I think there’s nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty of these animals even after death (trophies, oh no!) - my art is meant to reflect their life and environment. I like the balance flowers, bugs, and skulls bring to my art. It reflects the lifecycle that we all live in.”
Don’t have a skull?
I source Bison skulls from a local ranch run by Matt & Sarah Skoglund.
North Bridger Bison is a family-run bison ranch that provides healthy, delicious, regenerative, humanely field-harvested bison meat.
Please contact me directly or reach out to Matt to purchase a skull as a canvas. Check our their website here.
