Meet Jerehmai Washington | Oddities artist & practicing hide tanner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerehmai Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerehmai, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been artistically driven since childhood. It was definitely one of my dreams; To become an artist in some form. As well as have my own business. Where I could make things I enjoy, but also bring an image into production for others. With covid’s forced shift in my life, I decided to take more risks as nothing was remotely predictable anymore.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It definitely wasn’t easy, it’s not an easy craft either. When I get to the deep details, typically only a small few can handle it. I’ve studied bone cleaning and butterfly pinning for a few years now. On and off practiced here or there what I had researched. Only when I started reciving more attention on my work, did I think maybe I *could* do this more often. A LOT of trial and error was made and if I’m honest still plenty more to be had. Playing with the dead is beyond a delicate process but I see it as an art; recognition of what once was and now can be. I started getting into more taxidermy work just to learn the many ways to preserve and process things to better create pieces in the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If one of my close friends were to visit, I’d probably show them the oddity shops in Dallas. And Aqua for a sea salt icecream shake. If staying near me in Denton, I’d show them what fry street was like in comparison to the square. Have them check out vinyl lounge,bewitched, killer tacos if there’s a band I know. Or have them check one of the local nature reserves.Then Beth Marie’s for ice cream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many of my friends encouraged me to presume my business further. It’s extremely unconventional and certainly not for everyone which makes me appreciate more those who were there to support and even be my first few customers like my friends Briana,Tucker and Aaron. Along with my other artist friends I’ve made along the way that helped me get further like Angelic Vortex and Hell’s oddities.

Website: Salt-bats.square.site

Instagram: Salt_bats

Twitter: Saltbats

Facebook: Salt bats

Youtube: Saltbats

Image Credits
@naturallynatey