Ivory was thought to very closely approximate human flesh. Like makeup you could put on a very thin veneer. A wash of watercolor paint is like putting on blush.

We really wanted people to walk around and see the miniatures from front and back and really see the epitome of skill and artistry that goes into these things.

Ivory has this waxy translucent quality that was felt to very closely approximate human flesh.

There, the focus is on personal relationships.

I guess they thought I was just the opposite of her,

I've really developed an interest in reptiles. I didn't know anything about them when I bought Spot, and I thought it was time that I learned. . . .There are few animals I don't want to know more about.