Birds in Wood and Paint at Audubon Greenwich

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
6:30-8:00 pm

Birds in Wood and Paint: A special evening with Joseph H. Ellis

Audubon Greenwich will host Joseph H. Ellis for a presentation about his new book, Birds in Wood and Paint: American Miniature Bird Carvings and Their Carvers, 1900-1970, published by the University Press of New England. This book takes a comprehensive look at American miniature bird carvings and the artists who made them. Mankind has been preoccupied with drawing and painting birds for as long as humans have been able to paint. This artistic fascination turned three-dimensional in the late nineteenth century when hunters constructed decoys to lure their live counterparts within shooting range. As decoy carving waned in the early 1900s, some of the most accomplished decoy carvers turned to the carving and painting of waterfowl and game birds in miniature sizes.

These carvers were soon followed by others who carved and painted songbirds and other non-game birds of virtually every species, all geared toward a bird-loving audience. These works became known as ‘decorative’ carvings. Beginning with Elmer Crowell, the father of decorative bird carving, Ellis chronicles the fascinating lives and highly individualistic styles of eleven key carvers who dominated bird carving from 1900 through the 1970s. This lavishly illustrated volume is sure to delight the eye of collectors, carving aficionados, and bird-watchers alike.
“This lovingly detailed new book by Joe Ellis finally brings a fascinating but little-known art form – miniature bird carving – the attention it deserves. With stories about the carvers, the history of the genre, and many photographs of the incredible carvings themselves, this book would be a welcome addition to any bird- or art-lover’s library.” DAVID ALLEN SIBLEY, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds “Joseph Ellis’ life-long interest in birding evolved later in life to a focused interest in miniature bird carvings by America’s best ‘whittlers’. Through dedicated research the author has become one of America’s foremost experts on the subject and has provided the world of collectors with the very first book dedicated to these talented American carvers. Mr. Ellis has a well-honed eye for these remarkable works of art and has uncovered much new information about their iconoclastic carvers, making this book a most enjoyable read.” TED HARMON, Decoys Unlimited”

Joseph H. Ellis is a retired partner of Goldman Sachs, became hooked on miniature bird carvings in 1995 after his first encounter with an Elmer Crowell carving in an antique shop on Cape Cod. He is also author of Ahead of the Curve: A Commonsense Guide to Forecasting Business and Market Cycles. A recognized expert on miniature bird carvings and their carvers, Ellis lives in Cornwall, Connecticut and New York City.