From Roadkill to Remarkable: The Origins of a Curious Craft
For Jack Williams, founder of Dem Bones, what began as a teenage curiosity has transformed into a full-time craft that merges science, art, and ethics. “I was always the weird kid who’d stop and look at roadkill,” he laughs. “But instead of just being grossed out, I wanted to know what was underneath. What did the skeleton look like? How did it fit together?” That early fascination with anatomy would eventually lead him into the delicate, meticulous world of animal skeleton preparation—more colloquially, skull cleaning.
While most people recoil at the thought of handling dead animals, Jack embraced it. Not out of morbid fascination, but a genuine appreciation for the biological design of living things. “Bones tell a story,” he explains. “Every fracture, every joint—it’s a map of that creature’s life.”
What makes Jack’s story compelling isn’t just the unusual nature of his work—it’s the passion and care he brings to every cleaned skull, every reconstructed skeleton. Through Dem Bones, he has built a hub for those curious about bone art, from hobbyists to biologists and artists alike.
The Art and Science of Skeleton Prep
Cleaning skulls isn’t as simple as soaking bones in bleach. In fact, that’s one of the biggest mistakes beginners make, according to Jack. “Bleach might whiten bones, but it also weakens them. It breaks them down,” he says. His method is a blend of biology and chemistry, honed over years of trial and error.
The process starts with ethical sourcing. Jack only works with animals that died of natural causes, were roadkill, or came from wildlife rehab centres. “Nothing is killed for this work. That’s a hard line for me,” he emphasises. Once the specimen is in hand, the real work begins: defleshing, maceration (a natural decomposition process in water), degreasing, whitening, and finally drying and reassembly.
“I might spend weeks on a single specimen,” he says. “You’ve got to respect the process. The goal isn’t just to have a clean skull, but to preserve its integrity.”
His workshop is part science lab, part artist’s studio. Jars of hydrogen peroxide line the shelves, next to stacks of reference books on animal anatomy. Beetles—dermestid beetles, to be specific—help clean smaller specimens by eating away at the remaining soft tissue. It’s a delicate ecosystem, one that Jack maintains with precision.
Teaching the Craft, One Skull at a Time
Through his website, Jack offers detailed guides for beginners. The resource section of Dem Bones is filled with information on tools, safety, and step-by-step techniques. But what really sets his platform apart is the accessibility.
“I didn’t want this to be some elitist scientific practice,” he says. “Everyone should be able to explore this curiosity, safely and ethically.”
His audience is surprisingly diverse—students studying biology, artists looking to use skulls in their work, homeschool parents seeking hands-on science projects, and even farmers who want to memorialise a beloved animal. What unites them is a shared respect for the natural world.
“One of my favourite emails came from a vet student who used my guide to prepare a goat skeleton for her thesis project. She said it was the most meaningful thing she’d done in school. That’s the impact I want.”
Skeletons as Storytellers
What elevates Jack’s work beyond mere curiosity is his ability to tell stories through bone. He often shares photos of finished pieces online—delicate bird skulls, intricate reptilian skeletons, or dramatic full-body mounts. But what captivates his followers isn’t just the beauty of the bones, but the narrative they carry.
“Every animal tells a story in its bones. You can see old injuries, growth patterns, even disease. It’s like forensic art,” he explains.
This storytelling aspect is also why he rejects commercialisation that treats skulls like macabre décor. “I’m not into the shock value. This isn’t Halloween. It’s biology, it’s life, it’s art.”
Instead, Jack approaches each skeleton as a kind of biography—a chance to document and honour a life that once was.
Facing the Skeptics: Ethics, Stigma and Education
Not everyone is comfortable with what Jack does. Some find it unsettling; others question the ethics of using dead animals in art. Jack has heard it all.
“I get it. Death is taboo. But part of my work is changing how we think about it. This isn’t exploitation—it’s reverence. It’s education.”
That’s why Jack is meticulous about sourcing, process, and purpose. He keeps records of each specimen’s origin and insists on transparency. He’s also clear about what he won’t do: no exotic imports, no black-market skulls, no unethical hunting.
“There’s a right way to do this. And if I can’t do it the right way, I won’t do it at all.”
Through public talks, blog posts, and social media, Jack uses his platform to push for better understanding and higher standards in the field.
The Future of Bone Art: Tech, Trends, and Legacy
As technology evolves, so does the world of bone preparation. Jack is particularly excited about the potential of 3D scanning and printing.
“Imagine being able to digitally preserve endangered species without touching a single specimen. Or printing replicas for classroom use, instead of pulling something out of a collection. That’s where we’re headed.”
He also sees a growing movement among artists and educators blending bone prep with virtual learning, museum exhibitions, and even augmented reality.
Still, for all the digital advancements, Jack believes the heart of the work will always be hands-on.
“It’s a tactile process. You need to feel the weight of the skull, understand its symmetry, learn its story. That’s not something you can download.”
As for his own legacy, Jack hopes Dem Bones continues to serve as a bridge—between curiosity and knowledge, science and art, death and reverence.
Getting Started: Advice for the Curious
For anyone intrigued by the world of bone art, Jack offers this advice: start small, be patient, and do it right.
“Get a rodent skull or small bird and try maceration. Read everything you can. Wear gloves. Respect the animal.”
And of course, visit Dem Bones. With beginner-friendly guides, ethical sourcing tips, and a supportive community, Jack’s platform is the perfect place to start a journey into this strange, beautiful world.
“If you’re curious, follow that. Curiosity is how every scientist and artist gets started. Just make sure it’s backed by respect.”
