We are so fortunate to have nature all around us. I am always looking for wildlife, but usually I only spot signs of their presence. Thus I have taken to painting these incredible beings and surrounding myself with their images.
Making clay sculptures has provided more dimension. After shaping and forming a bird or whatever subject, I carve in details, a process that can take days. The piece is carefully baked in an oven (much trickier than it sounds), then the process of bringing it to life begins. I always paint the eyes first, and it’s hard not to get a little excited as this little piece of clay morphs into a cute chipmunk or colourful bird. Before I even start, I research my subject for details of size, habitat and colouring.
A wire and clay tree can really change up a landscape painting to make a completely unique piece. Sometimes I will use beads to embellish a tree. Each and every sculpture is one of a kind: no molds are used and no two birds are the same. Nor are the mountings, as the driftwood is found locally while out enjoying nature at its best.
I am a self-taught artist, except for grade school art classes, and have been drawing and making “things” ever since childhood, so very long ago…
Darlene will be in the gallery again on the 26th of July.
