Using Black Walnut
Mixed media pieces begin in my mind in the early morning while drinking coffee. They pop in my head like gifts from the creator and I can see them. I make a quick sketch or mental note and store them for later. The level of excitement over the idea sets the start date of the individual work. The bluebirds on live edge black walnut is a piece that reminds me of Spring and the bright colors that re-reveal themselves after the dark winter and they (the colors) make me happy.
“Bluebirds in Spring” is a fine art piece of 11″ x 20.25″ x 1″ Black Walnut live edge wood harvested here on our property in Wisconsin. Two bluebirds were drawn and then reverse-engraved by removing the empty spaces behind them. The third bird was drawn and then cut with a bandsaw and scrollsaw to complete its 3D effect. I attached an abstract canvas and a dried branch to the final piece. Acrylic paint, ink, and pencils along with a fluid medium were used to enhance the work before it was sealed.
Lyrical poetry usually accompanies my artwork but this piece has not lent itself to providing that. Perhaps that is because it is to be left to the client’s and observers’ imagination.
Every piece must start with a good beginning and a good ending. A good beginning includes finding it in the woods and then having it cut and kiln-dried. After completing the piece the good ending includes properly sealing the piece to last over time.
With each piece, my hope is that the client who purchases it will have an experience or emotion that gives it meaning for them. I love the first sight of the bluebird in the Spring because it sparks hope, so may it be for them whether similar or in a different thought process.
