Dr. Mills' Owl

Fini

When I first began carving antler, I asked my dentist, Dr. Mills, what he used in the early days of training for dentistry.  He pointed me toward the Dremmel Moto Tool.  Over the years I have switched from Dremmel to Foredom, but continue to discuss my projects and ask for advice from Dr. Mills.  Several years ago, a barred owl took up residence atop his bird feeder.  
A photo was taken, a sculpture born.

The base is made of native Ohio white oak stained 
with weathered oak to best compliment the grey tones of the sculpture.

The small bird in the background takes shape.

Giving the owl some feet and wing feathers.

The breast has a vertical barring pattern created by thin dark feathers 
intermixed with larger light down-like feathers.

The name 'Barred Owl' derives from the barring pattern of the feathers.   There is a distinct horizontal pattern below the neck.  Also, the eyes of the barred owl are a deep brown, giving the owl a large soft looking brown eye rather than the large pupiled look characteristic of yellow-eyed owls like the great horned.

Notice the design change from the photo below.  In order to give the proper sense of perspective, the bird sits behind the frame on the left, in front of the frame on the right.

Negative spaces is created with drilled holes, then cut with a hand-held jigsaw.

The original concept for the design comes directly from Dr. Mills' photograph.

This antler was selected because it stands on its own 
and is small enough to sit in the doctor's waiting room.

The original photo of a Barred Owl by Dr. Mills.