ArtFire

Here's a painted wood carving of an American Dipper bird, also known as a Water Ouzel. I love to be in the kinds of places these little birds frequent, usually in the mountains near a waterfall, behind which they build a nest. They stand on the rocks bobbing up and down, then go underwater searching for food.

This bird carving you can hold in your hand: 6.5 x 10.5 x 2 centimeters or 2.5 x 4 x 1 inches.

I also make a European Dipper which has the same shape but different coloring.

Thank you for looking at this sculpture, which is entirely designed and created by artist Sandra Healy; if you have any questions, please click the contact button below.

This Dipper and all my animals are designed first viewing numerous photos and if possible the actual animal as references. Then I simplify the shape to what I feel expresses the essence of the animal. In painting I also try to capture the most important features. My idea is that my sculpture should convey more what you would see in a fleeting glimpse in the wild, rather than the details visible in a museum specimen.

Though this Dipper carving is only a scant inch thick, I use various carving and painting techniques to suggest a much rounder figure. It is a unique method, like a three dimensional relief carving, which I have developed since I started in 1975.

HOW I WORK: Rather than using a power carver, I enjoy using knives and chisels to finish shaping the basswood. As well as being quiet and meditative, this gives crisper details.

After sanding the bird smooth, I use an airbrush to paint the colors. Finally, 3 coats of water-based urethane are brushed on, and the sculpture is signed on the bottom.

basswood, paint, ink, urethane finish

Usually, orders are sent the next business day by USPS first class, and I will email confirmation to you. It will arrive wrapped in tissue paper with a hand-painted border.