Leah Remacle, a hairstylist of 25 years, is a creative at heart.
“Working with the fiber of hair and head shapes has always been fascinating to me because there are so many ways to manipulate the hair,” Remacle says. “This has translated into many other aspects that I like to work with… finding ways to work with textiles, flowers and hair.”
Inspired by Aesthetic
Remacle has always appreciated the aesthetic of skulls embellished with flowers and moss. After receiving a broken cow skull from a friend, she decided to utilize a snowy day to create something beautiful. Her vision came to life and she was inspired to create more.
The cow skulls are sourced from a local business and many of her flowers come from her sister’s flower farm: Gather Mountain Blooms. She also orders some dried flowers from a company based out of Washington. In addition, Remacle forages on her own property for grasses, and other natural elements like sticks, twigs, mushrooms and leaves.
“I don’t like using fake flowers as I want it to look just like nature and dried flowers last for years as long as you take care of them,” Remacle says.
Artistic Process
The artistic process begins with prepping the skull. Remacle makes sure it is nice and clean and occasionally adds gold detailing. She does not glue anything to the skulls just in case the owner decides to remove the flowers. To affix the dried elements to the skull, she uses chicken wire and Spanish moss.
“I don’t always know the direction I am going until I start the process, all of which is a few bits of grass at a time until something starts to take shape,” Remacle says. “Then the flow process happens and that’s where it gets really fun.”
Collaboration
The skull and dried flower creations were recently featured at Gratitude in Old Colorado City. The pieces were displayed in the space from November through December as part of the First Friday Art Walk.
Remacle also collaborates with Gather Mountain Blooms, where she has artwork hanging in their farm store gift shop.
“I am always looking for collaborators!” she says. “In addition to making skull art, I also make a lot of wreaths, terrariums, dried floral arrangements for weddings, flower sunbursts and more.”
Retail
Every piece that Remacle creates is unique and one-of-a-kind. She is currently selling pieces through her Instagram pages, as well as at Leah Rey Hair Salon. She will also create custom pieces, if interested. She is unable to ship the items as they are very fragile. Local orders will be delivered.
Facebook: @FieldsNBones#
Instagram @LeyRemay | @FieldsNBones