Photo Courtesy of www.erniemillsphotography.com
From the Indiana Artisan Website-
“I love the time I spend observing birds in the field, drawing and designing new work, carving, painting and sharing my stories with patrons. This work is so profoundly satisfying because I am able to move from one aspect to another and remain happy and productive.”
Geoff Davis has done woodworking projects all of his life, but it was ukulele-making that sent him down a path in 2008 to carve Indiana birds.
“Building a ukulele requires expensive materials, exotic woods and hard-to-get hardware,” he explained. “During a time when I could not afford to begin a ukulele building project, I began to carve birds from found materials and scrap.”
As it turns out, bird carving was deeply satisfying to him. “It opened the doors to a wide variety of the research and field work that I enjoyed. The work called upon my skills as a naturalist, a painter, a designer, a scrounger and a woodworker,” Geoff said
The public embraced his work. He donated his first 50 birds to another of his passions, the Blue Stone Folk School in Noblesville. Blue Stone teaches and raises awareness of traditional arts. Program funding has always been difficult to come by, but he was able to invest the proceeds of those original sales to host programs and a concert at Blue Stone.
Geoff is a sort of explorer in wood projects. In addition to building ukuleles and carving birds, he has built boats and carved spoons. He may seem free-spirited but says he developed “rules that would define and confine my approach and execution” of the vision of his work. “These guidelines allow my work to evolve, but maintain the elements that are most important – approach and design, material choices, painting styles, color choices and presentation.
“Trends in bird carving strive to develop pieces that are as realistic as possible, often impossible to discern from the real animal,” he continued. “My approach is to capture and stylize only the simplest defining elements of a bird. My birds are far from realistic, but readily identifiable as a particular species and gender. My carvings not only visually represent birds but they also represent my stories and experiences with these birds.”
Indiana born and raised, Geoff says being a Hoosier is important to his work and identity as an artist and musician.
“Being a part of Indiana Artisan validates my ‘Hoosierness,’” he said. ” “Since I’ve become involved with Indiana Artisan, I’ve become affiliated with a handful of artists producing work that complements my own. These relationships have led to gallery representation, better art show opportunities and interesting collaborations.”
I just discovered you. I love the whole idea and what you are trying to do there. I am a knitter, among other interests. My obsession is Aran afghans. All the textures achieved with the twisting and cabling of the stitches. i hope to attend one of your events soon as well as get involved.
Wanda- Texture is so important! I use up to 20 steps to paint and finish my carvings. I want to acheive a finish that begs to be touched, stroked and explore.
I come from a family of knitters and have begun to explore the medium. I have a new appreciation for the ladies that sit in [Quaker] meeting and never seem to glance at their work. I hope to hear more from you!
G
Hi Geoff,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy and appreciate your blog. I’m going to give bird carving a try and so purchased a knife from Cape Forge this week. The only thing stopping me from taking one of your classes is the distance from Georgia to Indiana. Still love the Kingfisher “flattie” I bought from you and the gift you sent.
Best,
Jeff
Jeff- What kind words. You’ll not ever regret the Cape Forge knife. Follow the honing directions and you’ll never have to worry about the edge.
I’ve a bale of broomcorn and only the vaguest notion of what to do with it. We should meet half way and trade skills like the devil!
Thanks,
G
Hello!
I wanted to invite you to new art and craft market- my goal is to invite many
craftspeople and artists to participate in a permanent seasonal outdoor art and craft market
in the popular Brown County, Indiana. I came upon an opportunity to create a weekend
affordable sales outlet in Brown County- well known for its arts and crafts community.
I would like to invite you to the Brown County Arts and Crafts Colony group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149054691776160&v=wall
(or just do a search for “Brown County Arts and Crafts Colony” on Facebook)
I have posted pictures and details about this opportunity on there.
Our first open weekend will be Sept 4th and 5th, I hope you consider being a craft vendor with us!
Please contact me at anna@artindianapolis.com or 317-374-2318
Thank you!
Anna Miller
wow,
just was referred here from my new friend Joni….
can’t wait to check out more of this page…
folkfully yours,
todd (brother sonny)
http://www.youtube.com/doogey9
http://www.brothersonnysblog.blogspot.com
http://www.youdoart.blogspot.com
Hi Geoff….wondering if the November letterpress class is happening, and any info you may have about it. Thanks so much!
Jill Coyne
Hi Geoff, I understand you carved spoons. What type? Greenwood Swedish sloyd style or love spoons? I recently took up greenwood spoon carving and I am teaching myself because I can’t seem to find anyone around here in Noblesville or Indiana willing to teach. Do you know of anyone?
Hi Geoff We met some years back at the San Antonio Uke Fest when you brought down the strummers. Glad to see that the Bluestone folk school has become a reality and thriving. I am enjoying your blog as well as your craft keep up the great work.
It’s so good to hear from you! Thanks for your words of support.
Hi Mr.Davis,this is Terrell from school.