As long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by the natural world, animals, plants, rocks fossils, and mankind’s relationship to them. Eventually I chose the field of anthropology because it encompassed all of my interests and offered the best chance for employment in my favourite institution, the natural history museum. I have worked in natural history museums as a curator for most of my adult life, fifty-five years or more, as an anthropologist and palaeontologist, doing field work and designing and constructing museum displays and exhibitions. Many of my practical skills were learned on the job, such as modelling, casting, and screen-printing, while others (painting, drawing, sculpture) were refined through elective course work at colleges and TAFE programmes. Now in retirement I can apply these interests and skills to making illustrations and objects that continue to express my interest in natural history and offer them to others for their enlightenment, entertainment and enjoyment.

- Dr Trout