ART WORK

Using a knife, my birds are carved from basswood (unless otherwise stated).  After the piece is carved to shape, feather groups are carved in and within those groups, individual feathers are formed.  The piece is then textured with a wood burner and/or texturing stones to simulate feather detail and finally, painted with acrylic paints to create the soft look of the bird in the wild.  Often, the birds are set into a habitat scene which is creatively made from various materials.  

 

Having said that,  I can also finish the birds with very little carving or texturing detail, which are described as "smoothies".   Other than the songbirds, most of my work is to a half size scale or miniature. 

 

 For commissioned pieces   I enjoy working with the client with regard to the overall design of the finished piece.   If you would like a carving similar to that shown here but in a different pose, size or finish,  please contact me.

 

 

 

 

A cast paper sculpture is one of the most exciting new art forms in the world today.  It begins with an image being created as a 'bass relief' sculpture in plasticine.  The intent is to produce a cast paper print of the image in a limited edition of impressions.

 

Using the image, I use a mold making rubber to build up several layers to create a negative mold.  Plaster is then poured over this to create a cradle for the mold to rest in.  

 

The preparation of the paper pulp begins with the 'beating' of pure cotton linter fibres to produce a fine pulp.  Great care is taken to ensure the texture and the tensile strength of the fibres will be suitable for the forming process.  The pulp is either left white or given a brownish tint and placed, as a water slurry, into the casting mold, creating a different edging for each piece.   Then begins the process of extracting the water, by hand, using a sponge and paper towels. The pulp is carefully formed into a thick sheet of paper with strong sculptural qualities to confirm to the exact details of the casting mold.

 

The cast paper sculpture is then taken from the mold and left to dry for several days.  I either leave it as pulled from the mold in it's natural finish or pencil with realistic detail,  making each piece an original work of art.  Available framed or unframed.

 

Because of the fact that the cast paper sculpture is individually pulled by hand, it has certain unique characteristics typical of an original fine art print.  Upon completion of the edition, the mold is destroyed.

 

 

 

Mother Nature created beautiful pieces of driftwood - artwork in itself.  By sculpting a bird onto it's surface, a unique collectable transpires which can be hung on the wall.   I use acrylic paints to add realism and life.

 

For commissioned pieces   Please contact me if you would like driftwood art similar to that shown or of another subject.

 

 

 

 

Ornaments are miniature hand made cast paper sculptures which are subsequently coloured in gold, silver, red, green or combination. 

They can also be personalised with a name or the year

 $6 each or 3 for $15 (plus shipping)

 

 

 

The feather pins are hand carved from tupelo gum wood, textured with a wood burner and painted with acrylic paints to replicate the original bird feather.

 

Large pins $32    -    Earrings $32    -    Lapel/tie pins $17  (plus shipping)