Our Feature Artist this week is wooden bird carver John de Lang. John was born in India, moving to England with his family when he was four, and immigrating to Canada at age 16. His artistic trip began as a collector, culminating in the creation of award-winning carved songbirds and waterfowl. When asked why he loves his art form, John explains that authentic bird carvings offer people a lingering look at what can only be seen fleetingly and at a distance in real life. The art of bird carving has evolved from early functional hunting decoys into a highly specialized art form. John uses reference resources (books, casts, and, where feasible, access to the dead bird), to gain full authenticity for each species, whether indigenous or exotic. After determining the exact measurements, textures, and shading, John roughs out the shape from a block of tupelo (a lightweight but hard wood from the Everglades), choosing a pose and angling the head to suggest the life that the carving represents. Nature is not always symmetrical, and John works hard to capture the irregularities that make each bird unique. A high-speed grinder finesses the shape; the feathers are drawn and burned to create the texture; and many thin washes of paint are layered on to create depth of colour. Each tiny feather is textured and carefully painted, eyes and legs inserted, and the bird mounted, often synchronized to its natural habitat. Flowers and leaves are made of materials such as epoxy, brass foil, and sculpi. John has created exploding bulrushes from sawdust and white glue, with leaves fashioned from old metal venetian blinds; simulated scotch thistle from painted wool; and used paint and blow-torching techniques for imaginative mounts. Top awards include the Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship, the Canadian Woodcarving Championship, the Ontario Wood Carvers Association, and the Quinte Carving Show. He has earned international high standings at the Ward World Carving Championship in Maryland, including Best of Show at the Intermediate Level. A past member of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, John has been a three-time winner of the Award of Excellence from Muskoka Arts and Crafts. His many exhibits include the G20 Summit in Toronto. WoodsEnd.ca
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:25:14 +0000
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