The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is proud to announce the release of, "FOSSILIZED: From the Collections of Denver Museum of Nature & Science," showcasing remarkable fossils photographed by local artist Ursula Budnik. With this book, readers can appreciate fossils from our paleontology and paleobotany collections and the Prehistoric Journey exhibition, imagining a prehistoric world that once teemed with life — dinosaurs, ferns and insects — in a completely new way.
Made possible by a generous donation from the Precourt Foundation, this publication is a collaborative effort between Ursula and Museum paleontologist Dr. Tyler R. Lyson and paleobotanist Dr. Gussie Maccracken.
The cover of the Museum's new book "FOSSILIZED: From the Collections of Denver Museum of Nature & Science," showcasing remarkable fossils photographed by local artist Ursula Budnik (Photo/ DMNS).
A Colorado-based fine art photographer and oil painter, Ursula grew up in Poland where she received a Master of Fine Arts before moving to the United States. Using light, composition, color and emotion in her photography, Ursula captures the Museum’s fossil collections in a unique way, creating both a visual masterpiece and a compelling story.
“When I stepped into the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, I immersed myself in the captivating exhibit, Prehistoric Journey,” said Ursula. “I was transported to a bygone era of our planet's ancient wonders which inspired me with the idea of creating this book. These fossils, frozen in time for millions of years, encapsulate the profound history of our world, serving as tangible echoes of ancient creatures and their stories.”
"These fossils, frozen in time for millions of years, encapsulate the profound history of our world, serving as tangible echoes of ancient creatures and their stories.”
Ursula chose to render many of the book’s photos in sepia tones, “reminiscent of the earth itself, coupled with the strategic interplay of light and shadows, breathing life into these ancient beings.”
The book was inspired by a visit to Denver Museum of Nature and Science's captivating exhibition, Prehistoric Journey, (Photo/ Chris Schneider)
Tyler and Gussie, who wrote the book’s forward, offer a first-hand perspective into the exhilarating and often challenging search for fossils in the field and the story and meaning behind the fossils that appear in the photos.
"The exquisite photos in the book highlight some of the most spectacular fossils in the Museum’s collection,” said Tyler. “These fossils document incredible evolutionary transitions, ancient ecosystems and ultimately tell the story of how life has changed, how it has waxed and waned across mass extinction events and how the modern world arose.
Looking at the Museum’s most spectacular fossils is sure to spark many questions— what is this? How old is it? What is it related to? How could a fossil be so well preserved after 300 million years? — Beautiful fossils ignite curiosity in us all!”
"Looking at the Museum’s most spectacular fossils is sure to spark many questions— what is this? How old is it? What is it related to? How could a fossil be so well preserved after 300 million years? — Beautiful fossils ignite curiosity in us all!”
The collaboration between scientists and artist adds a unique dimension to "FOSSILIZED.” Ultimately, the lively discussions and the melding of science-oriented brains with an artistic eye made for an incredibly interesting and visually pleasing book for readers to enjoy.
A sample of just a few of the remarkable fossils — including a duckbill dinosaur skull and a trilobite from over 500 million years ago — photographed by local artist Ursula Budnik for "FOSSILIZED." (Photo/ Ursula Budnik)
The Museum is immensely thankful to the Precourt Foundation, and for the collections managers, interns and volunteers in the Departments of Integrative Collections and Earth Sciences for their behind-the-scenes work on this project.
The Museum is proud to count on one of the world's largest groups of volunteers who tirelessly work to find, excavate, clean and catalog fossils. Donors, as well, play a crucial role, providing essential funding for expeditions and the preservation of these invaluable collections for future generations' study and enjoyment.
Read more: Jim Englehorn's Volunteering Journey at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
For anyone who wants the book for themselves or as a wonderful and unique holiday gift, "FOSSILIZED” is now available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop or through the Museum online shop!
"FOSSILIZED” is now available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop or through the Museum online shop. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)