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I Hand-Carve Feathers Into Intricate Designs Using Scalpels And Eye Surgery Scissors (30 New Pics)
I carve birds' feathers into intricate art in order to make their natural beauty more noticeable. The work highlights the patterns and colors of the feathers themselves, inviting the viewer to look and look again. For me, feathers represent flight, transformation, and a bridge between our present lives and our dreams.
I display my work in shadow boxes, a signature art form I developed after years of research. I use eye surgery scissors, forceps, and scalpels to carve the feathers.
A conservationist at heart, the feathers I use are legally obtained. Many of the feathers are naturally shed, which means that the birds they came from are likely still alive.
Since feathers are universal symbols of flight, transformation, achievement, and hope, the art speaks to many people who long for these qualities as well as people who revere birds.
My work is included in private collections and featured in publications in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. My book, Feathers, Form & Function, highlights the art and tells stories about what feathers are, what roles they fill for birds, and why people find them alluring.
See my older posts here and here.
More info: featherfolio.com | Instagram
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We long to fly but cannot so birds and feathers are important symbols representing our longings.
Something that's not a bird, and snake sheds! Did you consider doing something ...angel related?
I consider dragons and snakes at least somewhat related to birds. The only "angel" I've done was an adaptation of my four year old's drawing that looked like an angel. But when I showed it to her she said, "That's Mr Poop Man!". Oh well.
Load More Replies...I mostly use turkey feather from domestic farm raised varieties. They come in many patterns and browns, russet reds, and blacks.
My guess is that the feathers must be treated with something to avoid "falling apart" while carving. It reminds me of intricate paper cutting art pieces, but I think paper is a more forgiving medium. I like the subtlety of the tiny forms. Did you consider something bigger, like ostrich feather?
That would be a huge canvas! And do tell us what you treat the feathers with? Quarantine 2020 PA, USA.
Load More Replies...I upvoted them all because they're all so incredible! I can't fathom what creativity, skill and patience people working in this type of medium must have...
These are ridiculously incredible! I read the caption and thought "yeah right, hand-carved". But holy s**t, he actually hand-carves feathers!!
These are all stunning- the level of intricacy is mind-blowing! I had a really hard time picking a personal favourite.
These are just incredible. It makes me wonder how you got the idea to do this and how long it took to develop your talent to this level.
My guess is that the feathers must be treated with something to avoid "falling apart" while carving. It reminds me of intricate paper cutting art pieces, but I think paper is a more forgiving medium. I like the subtlety of the tiny forms. Did you consider something bigger, like ostrich feather?
That would be a huge canvas! And do tell us what you treat the feathers with? Quarantine 2020 PA, USA.
Load More Replies...I upvoted them all because they're all so incredible! I can't fathom what creativity, skill and patience people working in this type of medium must have...
These are ridiculously incredible! I read the caption and thought "yeah right, hand-carved". But holy s**t, he actually hand-carves feathers!!
These are all stunning- the level of intricacy is mind-blowing! I had a really hard time picking a personal favourite.
These are just incredible. It makes me wonder how you got the idea to do this and how long it took to develop your talent to this level.