Using a knife, my birds are carved from basswood or tupelo wood. 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.
Many of the wood carvings here are with galleries or have been sold and are shown as examples of my work. For commissioned pieces, I enjoy working with the client with regard to the overall design. If you would like to commission a carving or for prices of available pieces, 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 'bas relief' sculpture in clay. The intent is to produce a cast paper reproduction 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 placed, as a water slurry, into the casting mold, and a different edging is created 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. The piece is then either tinted with a sepia spray or penciled with realistic detail, making each piece an original work of art. Available in a black or white frame 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 carving the bird and using the driftwood as a "frame", a unique collectable transpires which can be hung on the wall or if preferred, mounted to place on a table. Carving individual feathers, texturing and painting adds realism and life.
The following artwork is available unless otherwise stated. Please contact me for pricing, to commission a similar piece which has been sold or for a bird not shown. For commission pieces I like to work with the client as to size, pose and mounting.
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Recently commissioned "Driftwood Art" I am known for my (very) miniature detailed birds. Recently however, I have taken on commissions to carve some larger birds, which at first was very challenging. I would like to take this opportunity to share these with you.
These christmas ornaments and/or gift tags 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
$8 each or 3 for $20 (plus shipping and applicable taxes)
All pins are hand carved from tupelo wood. The feather pins are textured with a wood burner and painted with acrylic paints to replicate the original bird feather and maple pins are textured with leaf veins and painted in various fall colours.
Large pins $40 - Earrings $40 - Lapel/tie pins $21