chris maynard carves real bird feathers into intricate artworks

american artist chris maynard returns with another series of beautifully detailed dioramas. the work, which we first shared back in 2012, combines maynard’s experience in biology, ecology and art to create worlds in miniature from delicate bird feathers. 

all images courtesy of chris maynard, featherfolio LLC

in order for the feathers to retain their stability while being carved, maynard utilizes a mix of pressure, glues, and papers. to cut the shapes with such accuracy and precision, he uses tiny eye surgery scissors, forceps and magnifying glasses, which have all been passed down through his family. the end results depict a collection of scenes, which all evoke a quaint magic – from soaring birds to frogs leaping in the air.

maynard uses naturally shed, legal-to-have and ethically-obtained feathers, meaning that the feathers have came from birds that are likely still alive. they are pinned about about 1/2 inch (1cm) above a white background so the shadows become prominent in the final works. built sturdily to last, these ‘shadowboxes’ use the finest archival cotton papers and are framed in quality, simple black lacquered wooden frames, which are ready to hang. prices start at $1,200 (USD) based on size and complexity and commissions are also available. you can find out more at the featherfolio website here. 

project info:

project name: featherfolio’s carved feathers

artist: chris maynard, featherfolio LLC

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom