Once a fossil has been discovered, it must often be carefully prepared and preserved for study. This is the job of Tim Fedak, researcher and preparator of fossil material at the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.

Tim derives great satisfaction from working through the challenges of preparing fossils. "It is a very sculptural process, very artistic, to look at the fossils and experience the natural forms of the bones as they come out of the rock." Although his education in visual arts, sculpture and photography has provided him with essential skills, he maintains that patience, dexterity and a natural aptitude for the kind of concentration and visualisation required are also necessary.

His work to date with the fossil material at Parrsboro has been invaluable to the world of palaeontology. Each day, expectations are being doubled by the great potential of this important site as more fossils emerge from the rock.