The Dooryard Gallery--James Popp

Using basswood and oil paint , I make sculptures that feature birds. My experience watching birds for many years has left
me fascinated with their behavior, color, feather patterns, and shapes. I attempt to incorporate that fascination into my
work.

Inspiration for my work can come from watching a bird in the wild, from seeing an unusual pattern in nature, or just
having an idea for an unusual juxtaposition of a bird and an unexpected object . While birds are central to each work, the
overall design is the most important aspect . The bird is integrated into the total composition. The design may
emphasize a geometric or color pattern, or create a whimsical or unexpected look. It is not the details that are important,
but the overall affect.

Each piece starts with an initial sketch. I then develop patterns to use to cut the top and side profiles from a block of
basswood with a band saw. The remaining work is all done with hand gouges and knives. The sett ing for each piece may
be also basswood or a variety of natural finished hardwoods. I paint with oils and then assemble each component into
the final composition.