

the website of Mark S Bailen. . . writer, illustrator, and fake-nature photographer



When I’m jonesing for fake nature (and who isn’t), I head to my nearest pet store. . . I love lizard decor and Flintstone-style rocks.

Lovely fake rocks in the amazon exhibit of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Pro tip: if you are creating a jungle, have a good supply of CAUTION WET FLOOR signs.




The largest unnatural arch in the world is inside the Denver REI flagship store. If you go, show up early. . . there’s only one good camping spot.


because of decreasing buffalo populations . . plastic is now the go-to material for making teepees



Nobody does fake rocks better than Vegas.

the feeders at the penguin exhibit explain the challenges of maintaining a bird population, climate control, and a dwindling fish supply… luckily we don’t have to worry about these issues today.