I’ve made many bird bowls, but there always seems to be another design twist to play with. In the case of this latest one from a large cherry crook, I carved a single flute that runs the length of the piece along both sides. That flute is sort of divided into narrower flutes.
The body and wings have a smooth surface that contrasts with the toolmarks of the hollow and the flute. Thankfully, the card scraper left just a little smoothing to be done with very fine sandpaper.
17″ long, 5″ wide, 5 3/4″ high.
And I’ll end with some real birds. After the heavy snow last weekend, we were treated to robins feasting on the overripe little fruits of our flowering pear trees. Always nice to see them.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
Very beautiful bowl, David! Though it looks all your own style, your work reminds me of a cross between Henry Moore and NW Coast Indian art. Have you been influenced by either of them? Thanks for sharing it.
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Thanks, John. I greatly admire the art of the NW Coast cultures and I know a little bit about Henry Moore’s work. I haven’t made a conscious effort to incorporate the themes of either one, but I suppose we are all at least subconsciously influenced by many things we have seen.
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that’s a beauty Dave–really really really nice–
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Beautiful Dave. Love that Cherry Bird Bowl! The detail with the flute and facets is crazy good.
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But…, will it ever be used? Will ale ever fill its hollow? Will the tail be grasped? Will someone ever drink or pour from it? Does its form allow? Does it matter? Should it matter?
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I don’t know. Honestly and sincerely.
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And neither do I, David. I was hoping you had some prophetic insight! Questions like these plague me, and all the more as I grow older. I suppose the redeeming grace of what we make is that it is made of wood and can be tossed to the fire or compost and become ashes and dust once its beauty or utility or both become obsolete?
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That WAS my attempt at insight, Scott! I guess I just mean that sometimes I’m willing to allow room for some questions to go unanswered — but that doesn’t mean unpondered. And the questions you asked certainly are worth pondering. Really, I guess some of them can be answered pretty clearly in the case of this particular piece, even though the boundaries of your questions can extend beyond it:
Yes, this bowl is usable. You could drink ale from it and serve peas in it (but not, ideally, simultaneously). The form allows for it, but so does that of a plastic cup. Will the person who purchased it use it? I have no idea, and I’m happy if it brings him some joy, no matter in what way. I know I’m not willing to define what makes something useful — worthy of being made. What’s the use of a poem? I wouldn’t want to be without them. One feels compelled to make, write, build, or otherwise create, and doing so brings him or her joy or satisfaction or a sense of flow or whatever. That in itself is worthy, and the joy will likely be extended to others.
So, I appreciate your questions and reasons for asking them. We can easily get on auto-pilot like Ivan Ilyich and forget to consider things. Still there’s a balance lest we become plagued or paralyzed. I’m reminded of this post regarding other questions https://davidffisherblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/devilish-questions/
Now look what I’ve done; that’s way too much attempted insight at once! So even though my mind is darting all over the place, I’ll shut up. I still don’t know.
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David, Terrific form with function. Your work is always inspiring. Appreciate the the “real” shots also.
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Thanks, Skip. Glad you liked the photos of the real birds. I love that they’re extra puffed up in the winter.
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Beautiful bird, Dave!
Glad that you mention using a card scraper for finishing work; I find a card scraper (with a good burr on it) to be one of the most useful tools in my shop.
Question; how do you hold an irregular shaped piece like this while working it with the scraper; on you bowl horse? (I don’t have one, so have tried benchtop alternatives, with varying results.)
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Thanks, John. For these situations, I can usually manage pretty well with the woodworker’s vise at the end of my bench. I lined the long wood jaws with rubber. This post from four years ago shows some good shots of the vise and some holding options: https://davidffisherblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/29/sand-bags/
Also, a hand screw clamp can be used creatively for many situations. There’s an example at the end of this post https://davidffisherblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/three-in-the-rough/
I usually just find myself doing some creative problem solving in new situations. The solutions involve a variety of pegs, stops, wedges, etc. But a vise really does come in handy.
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Thanks, Dave, for sharing these solutions!
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Stunning bird bowl Dave!
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