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THE TWO-HEADED CALF

The piece reflects themes of duality, innocence, and the strange beauty found in nature's anomalies. Each head gazes outward, offering a haunting yet serene perspective, while a glowing halo in the background represents a vision of heaven, where the grass is greener, and every fruit is ripe and never rots. The sculpture connects personal memories, faith, and surreal imagination, giving life to the unexpected.

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​In October 2024, the Two-Headed Calf sculpture made its public debut at the Monster Monster Parade, part of the Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival. Participants, dressed in their favorite monster attire, paraded from the Ride It Sculpture Park to Hamtramck Disneyland, celebrating the community's creative spirit. ​

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In February 2025, the sculpture was selected for the juried exhibition "While Our Bodies Are Still Warm" at Voyeur Bordello in Detroit. This exhibition explored themes related to the human body in various forms and emotions, aligning with the sculpture's exploration of duality and surrealism. ​

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In March 2025, I had the privilege of featuring the Two-Headed Calf sculpture in the Marche du Nain Rouge, an annual Detroit tradition that celebrates the city's rich history and creative spirit. This event, known for its vibrant costumes, music, and community participation, provided an ideal platform to present the sculpture in a new light.

MY INSPIRATION

Newspaper clipping showing Mrs. Anna Andrews and her two-headed calf.

The original Two-Headed Calf in its case at the Allegan County Fair where it is on display for the general public for 11 days a year.

MAKING OF THE TWO-HEADED CALF

This piece was crafted using papier-mâché, with a gold hula hoop serving as a halo to symbolize divinity. I incorporated my wreath-making skills to create an ornate, ethereal arrangement, embedding battery-operated closet lights within the calf’s heads for an inner glow. The surrounding halo is illuminated with delicate string lights, further enhancing the celestial effect.

 

The sculpture is adorned with holy doves, lush grass symbolizing greener pastures, butterflies, and ripe fruits—representing abundance and a peaceful transition. These elements come together to depict the calf leaving her mother, and this this world at the same time, as she entered heaven. My goal was to create something sacred, evoking a sense of reverence and transcendence.

THE LIFE OF THE TWO-HEADED CALF

1899

1966

2004

September 2024

October 2024

February 2025

March 2025

  • The original two-headed calf is born, died, and was taxidermied in Ontario, Canada.

  • Another two-headed calf is born in Texas! Mrs. Anna Andrews comes forward with her monumental taxidermied head and makes a phone call.

  • I see the two-headed calf on display at the Allegan County Fair in Allegan, Michigan, and I cry because it was taxidermied in a case and not in heaven with its mama (where it belonged!). At the time, I am showing cows at the fair and competing in the dairy quiz bowl. I am also a very devout child. My family has Jersey cows, so I pray that one will give birth to a two-headed calf and that it lives. I want to take care of it.

  • Every year after I make sure to visit the two-headed calf.

  • I have a medical emergency, a bad reaction to anesthesia, and cancer is on the table. It got me thinking about my mortality!

  • In between testing, an emergency scope, and a follow-up scope, I attend a class on creating carnival puppets at Buffalo Prescott in Detroit. The prompt is "Monster". My idea of a Monster is something deformed beyond recognition. I start on the Two-Headed Calf.

  • I finish the Two-Headed Calf and march with it in the Monster Parade in Hamtramck, Michigan. It's a hit!

  • I go back to the doctor for my follow-up scope. No complications. No cancer - just acid reflux.

  • The calf is featured as a sculpture in a juried exhibition at The Voyeur Bordello in Detroit, Michigan

  • The Two-Headed Calf is featured infront of her largest audience yet at The Marche du Nain Rouge. 

  • Over 100 participants have their photo taken with her.

  • She is spotted on the local news.

THANK YOU

This piece has gotten all kinds of reactions. Some find it unsettling, others think it’s beautiful. It’s even been known to scare dogs. A lot of people aren’t sure what it represents, and a few have mistaken it for a traditional costume or a character from Midsommar (I see the resemblance). 

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Folks often bring up the poem Two-Headed Calf by Laura Gilpin when talking about this work, but for me, it’s about something much more personal. Art’s beauty lies in how different people interpret it. What I really hope is that this piece encourages viewers to look at the world around them in a new way. It makes me smile when people think it’s a product of an ancient, far away, beautiful culture, when it actually came from the less-than-glamorous Allegan County Fair.

What's next for the Two-Headed Calf?

Is there an event that the calf should appear at, a music video where it would fit right in... or would you like to collaborate? Would you like to share a photo of a calf sighting? I think that this project is bigger than two-parades and an artshow. Don't hesitate to reach out. Let's be strange and beautiful together. 

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