Making of the Startling Bird from Concept to Exhibition
The making of the Sculpture of The Startling Bird – Kingfisher Flight by Sculptress JOEL – the long years from concept to features for gardens and homes.
Examples of different designs are available here
Original photo references are sourced and studied by JOEL
The Startling Bird – the poem and quotations form part of the project to capture the essence of this amazing bird in words and sculpture. The project is dear to the artist as the Kingfisher was one of her mother’s favourite birds.
Joel (Jo) Walker is a writer of poetry, children’s stories and novels and she decided to actually encorporate some of the words into the first installation having them engraved in to the slate..
But first the armature had to be made and the form and nature of the Kingfisher studied.
Drawn out look of the sculpture
Measurements including feathers, body and wings.
Study of the Kingfisher wing
Throughout the making of the sculpture the details of this species of bird are studied and referenced.
Making of the armature support and first clay
The process took many months – added to which the artist had a little ‘help’ (if only) – which is another story! you will be able to see in full on Youtube.
The shapes of the body and wings are built in the clay on the wire armature. Then with that in place the wing feathers (primaries and secondaries and other details) are laid on, both top view and underside.
Final details of feathers in the clay
Making of the mould of the kingfisher sculpture
The waxes are poured into the mould and then checked.
In the wax some of the Kingfishers are made unique in wing form and pose
The Waxes then go through the foundry process and cast into bronze
Joel has coloured these bronzes to give indication of the iconic hues of the Kingfisher – metallic blue and contrasting orange.
Some of the sculptures are given unique combinations of base shape and colour and fused glass.
The first Kingfisher Bronze, among may sculptures by JOEL, was selected by the organisers to be shown at the prestigious Sculpture Exhibition at Beaulieu in Hampshire in 2021 . The bronze bird was set as a feature for a stone bird bath with engraved words from the poem.
The Startling Bird
ever light is held
This artwork was quickly sold and will be going to Wales.
Another Diving Kingfisher – Startling Bird single was made ready and yet others can be made bespoke in pairs to be set both outdoors and for interior design.
Please note that JOEL will be making some of this edition of Kingfisher bronzes in more subdued tones and she will be having others available to collectors who prefer a classic bronze tone and without any colours added.
Contact JOEL at the Tenon Studio for your own Kingfisher Bronze
