The People Behind R.I.P. Statue
R.I.P. Statue was founded by Lina Walen and Emma Bouw, two makers with a shared passion for paleontology, craftsmanship and bringing extinct animals back to life.
From fossil restoration and skeletal mounting to complete reconstructions, we combine scientific research, traditional techniques and modern technologies to create museum-quality displays with care and precision.
Craftmanship Meets Science
Every project starts with understanding the animal, the available material and the story it needs to tell. We work with museums, researchers, exhibition makers and private clients to develop reconstructions that are both scientifically informed and visually compelling.
Our work brings together anatomy, sculpting, mould-making, welding, 3D scanning and 3D printing. This combination allows us to create custom solutions for fossils, replicas, armatures and complete mounted skeletons.
Lina Walen
Lina grew up surrounded by the world of dinosaur reconstruction. Her father, Aart Walen, introduced her to the craft from an early age, taking her along on projects ranging from building a mammoth in Mexico to joining a fossil excavation in the United States when she was sixteen.
With R.I.P. Statue, Lina continues that next chapter. She focuses on welding, mould-making, anatomy, paleontology and sculpting, combining practical craftsmanship with a deep respect for the animals behind each reconstruction.
Emma Bouw
Emma’s fascination with dinosaur reconstruction began at the age of seventeen, when Aart Walen introduced her to this extraordinary field. From that moment on, she was captivated by the combination of science, craftsmanship and creativity.
With a strong background in welding, mould-making and sculpting, Emma combines traditional techniques with modern innovations such as 3D scanning and printing and digital modelling. Her work focuses on creating reconstructions that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically refined.