The Surveyor
Jun 21, 10:19 PM

“The Surveyor”, my latest sculpture, was inspired by my interaction with Red-Billed Hornbills in Samburu Kenya. The piece is shown here in clay and measures 17”x12”x 15.” In my book African Diaries I describe my interaction with these denizens of the desert:

“Instead of eating lunch, I chose to draw and paint some of the local avian life. Lured by a small pile of bread crumbs, several Red-billed Hornbills swooped in for a free meal. They were soon followed by Bristle crowned starlings and the much larger go-away bird.”

I really enjoyed drawing and painting these birds. They have strong features both comical and graceful. My drawings were the springboard for “The Surveyor.”In the process of sculpting I draw on my experiences and memories as much as I do from the drawings. Sculpting “The Surveyor,” in a somewhat nostalgic way, brought me back to a summers night in the Kenyan Desert.

* * *

Comments

WOW, you have captured the intricate feather details so well in this sculpture. Awesome David.

— Thomas · Jun 22, 04:29 AM · #

First time visiting your blog.
These are amazing!!!!
I always struggle with drawing animals… You should teach me!

— Bert Youn · Jun 25, 08:25 PM · #

Really gorgeous.

— JL · Jun 27, 03:42 PM · #