Nature's Wings - Tim McEachern

The Artist Nature's Wings

The one thing I truly know is that I am a lover of nature and have been all of my life. I camp. I fish. I hike. And approximately five years, on a peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, nature changed my life.

I had a series of jobs that left me feeling unfulfilled. And, so, on that day-of-days on the summit of that mountain, I asked aloud for guidance. Within moments it became clear to me that my destiny was to capture the natural beauty that spread out below me and, specifically, the spirit of the birds that have always seemed to accompany me whenever I entered their realm. I was going to be a bird carver, that was clear, although I had no artistic training whatsoever, let alone sculpting a complex, 3-dimensional object from a block of wood.

I believe we all have important things we're supposed to do while we're here. Some people find these answers early on in life while others, like myself, take many years before we truly see the gifts each of us has been given. The serenity of nature inexplicably allowed me to find that connection.

"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."

- EMILY DICKINSON

Which bird stands out for you – that has caught your attention, ignited your imagination? For me, it has been a fascination with North American raptors – the eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys and owls known for their speed, their agility and their power. For you it may be another category altogether – songbirds, shorebirds, woodpeckers – there are almost 10,000 species of birds in the world, each uniquely adapted to a purpose.

Many hours are spent creating these pieces – a thousand or more for larger birds. It starts with extensive research, in the field and in the library, to determine the exact dimensions and infinite details of each species. Along with this, it is important to understand the life of each bird; its behaviors, its habitat, and the changes that occur to the bird from season to season. After becoming an expert on that species, the actual carving process takes place using the finest quality Tupulo wood available. When the carving stage has been completed, the process of creating details such as barbs and feathers takes place, using a burning pen. Then, meticulous painting brings the bird to life. The real artistry begins where nature leaves off. The challenge is not just to capture the bird in exquisite detail – to exactly mimic nature – but instead to deepen nature’s beauty and mystery.

Each piece I create is truly a work of love. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than sculpting one bird at a time for one person at a time for someone who will feel the deep emotion for this art-form that I do – that elusive quality that can never be fully explained.