Coal Tit by Birds in the Wood

Lime Wood

John and Marilyn Davies carve and paint wooden birds in their workshop in Prestatyn. The interest began in America in the 1970s where the decoy tradition is well established. John began woodcarving in 1977 after a year in Michigan. During further year-long visits to Washington State and Utah they came into contact with carvers and began their own practice. John uses mainly hand tools to carve the birds, enjoying their shape in the hand. Marilyn employs a pyrography tool to burn the feather barbs and paints using thin acrylic washes which allow the texture to emerge. Driftwood bases are an essential component and John spends many hours combing the banks of the Clwyd and Conwy rivers to find the ideal pieces. Their work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Wales and from the north of Scotland to the south of England.

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