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New Book by Chris Maynard Explores the Symbolism and Art of Sculpting with Feathers

Delicately wielding a scalpel, Chris Maynard (previously here and here) slices into feathers to create images of the very creatures that shed them, reproducing birds of flight within his tiny found canvases. Not only is Maynard concerned about the material aesthetically, but is also interested in how humans have treasured feathers and their meaning for thousands of years. Often Maynard places the positive cut-out next to its negative shape, making it appear as if the tiny bird is flying from the feather, or escaping its original form. Each feather varies in size and color, from the tiny and muted to…

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Art

Cut from Found Feathers, Minuscule Silhouettes Become Intricate Symbolic Works

Equipped with surgical knives and scissors, artist Chris Maynard (previously) carefully slices exquisite silhouettes of birds, people, and tiny stars from individual feathers. He cuts the naturally shed materials, which come from private aviaries and zoos, into metaphorical scenes of change and transformation: figures hatch from eggs, a flock of seagulls flies into a perfectly round arc, and still developing chicks nestle into the barbs. "Feathers are symbols of our aspirations," the artist tells Colossal. "Like a lot of us, I want to fly but I…

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‘Division of Birds’ at Paradigm Gallery in Philadelphia

Join us on Friday, August 26, for the opening reception of Division of Birds, curated by Colossal founder and editor-in-chief Christopher Jobson. The group exhibition at Paradigm Gallery + Studio in Philadelphia is a celebration of feathered life, both real and imagined, and brings eleven exciting artists to the gallery for the very first time, including Roberto Benavidez, Lola Dupré, Drew Mosley, Chris Maynard, Dina Brodsky, Calvin Ma, Fio Silva, Mike Stilkey, Felicia Chiao, Gigi Chen, and Megan Zaniewski. Division of Birds is on view from August 26 to September 18, 2022, and the reception runs from 5:30 to 8:30…

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Art

Division of Birds: A Group Show at Paradigm Gallery Celebrates Feathered Life

The Division of Birds, housed inside Chicago's Field Museum, boasts one of the largest scientific avian collections in the country, representing about 90% of the world's genera and species and containing more than 480,000 specimens, 21,000 egg sets, and approximately 200 nests. A group show opening this month at Paradigm Gallery + Studio in Philadelphia references this unparalleled archive in a celebration of feathered life. Curated by Colossal's founder and editor-in-chief Christopher Jobson, Division of Birds is comprised of dozens of works in a range of…

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Art

Exquisite New Cut Feather Shadowbox Artworks by Chris Maynard

We've long been fans of Olympia, Washington-based artist Chris Maynard (previously) who assembles shadowboxes of cut feathers depicting the silhouettes of birds as they sing, perch, and swoop across the canvas. With a background in both biology and ecology the artist recalls working with feathers as early as the age of 12, utilizing heirloom forceps, eye surgery scissors, and magnifying glasses passed down through his family. Maynard acquires feathers for his artwork from zoos and private aviaries. Collected here are a number of recent works, some of which will be on view at an upcoming solo show next year at…

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Art Illustration Photography

Browse Hundreds of Artist’s Zines, Prints, and Other Works at the Virtual Brooklyn Art Book Fair This Weekend

The Brooklyn Art Book Fair has moved its 2020 market online, extending the opportunity to pore through the offerings from artists and independent publishers to those who don't reside in New York City. This year's fair boasts more than 400 publications presented by 45 vendors, like The Free Black Woman's Library, Printed Matter, and Paradise Systems. Founded in 2017 to provide smaller presses and artists the opportunity to showcase their work without a financial barrier,…

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