Birds have always fascinated me starting at a very early age. Art came natural to me; it was always inherent in me. I remember doodling as a child and how it fascinated my parents; they were very proud of my “doodles”. Of course their support excited my creativity. Through time, my art matured. I began to understand it and figured out how to combine my natural ability with an understanding of the technical principles and fundamentals of art. Fusing art with my passion for birds, their environments and natural history was a natural progression.
This page is an introduction to my art of avian sculptures in wood. The sculptures shown are a few examples of some of the genre of my art in various styles such as realism, stylized and interpretive forms. All these works are inspired from observations in nature, and inspiration is one of the most important elements of creating art. My deep passion for studying birds in the field has always been a vital component for my artform. My entire creative process begins with the species of bird, and where it lives. Projecting the bird’s environment in my sculpture such as a cold morning, a breaking wave, a misty cloudforest or a tropical island challenges my creative instincts. The inspiration guides the development of the idea for the sculpture. When the design is realized, the composition follows. I think of my avian sculptures as a multi-dimensional canvas. In a one-dimensional painting you display the complete image of the subject bird and its surrounding habitat. On a sculpture, you can only offer a hint of it; through interpretation and artistic projection. The viewer must feel the warm sun and appreciate its projected light and colors.
Please enjoy the images of the sculptures on this page, I have included a brief description of each piece including the title and species name both in its English name and Spanish name of the birds I studied in Costa Rica, woods used to carve the sculptures and type of paint I used. In my studio I am always surrounded by “works in progress” and I have included a few of them on my page. I am constantly inspired by birds and nature whether along the coast of New England or in the rainforests and cloudforests of Costa Rica. When an inspired composition overwhelms me, I find it best to carve the sculpture while it is fresh in my mind. Even if I am working on something else, I can always finish it later.
KEITH
KMueller@ntplx.net
KEITH
KMueller@ntplx.net
