No. 21 The Belted Kingfisher

Every Bird Has a Story:

At home this is a bird of the river, but I first met them on salt water.

My childhood summers were spent on the coast of Maine. We lived on a small sheltered cove on an island and Belted Kingfishers were common. I remember sitting on the float watch them scouting the water from an overhanging tree. When the spotted a target they’d fly to the water, hover over its prey and dive headfirst - perfectly perpendicular to the water - to catch its target. the Belted Kingfisher would then return to its post - bird in bill - and swallow its dinner whole.

At that time we had a dear older neighbor who tolerated my chatty company. He loved teaching and always had something wise to share and I was eager to lap it up. One afternoon we chatted about hovering birds and he argued that Ruby Throated Hummingbirds were not the only hovering birds. He called for me to opbserve Common Terns and Belted Kingfishers both hovering over their prey. (I recently read that these birds, in fact, don’t truly hover. It has something to do with the way their wings work.)

I once wrote a essay, that I’m fairly proud of, about my best Belted Kingfisher story. I won’y copy it here as it’s a loner piece. I will summarize in saying that I once observed a rather extended drama as a Belted Kingfisher noisily eluded a Coopers Hawk by leading it to the water’s surface and quickly diving under. It took three or four tries, but the hawk did give up. It was better than the last 30 seconds of best nail-biting basketball game.

A note - Belted Kingfishers are one of the few birds where the female is more colorful than the male and perhaps the only intentionally carved female on the collection. I love to carve female birds and would love to give them equal time but they don’t sell. I’ve tried. Perhaps there’s another collection in the planning.

• Knife-carved from cedar or white pine

• Hand-painted and authentically distressed with Old Fashioned Milk Paints

• Imported glass bead eyes

• Mounted on a Maine sourced white birch stump.

• Measures approximately 6 1/2”l x 2 1/2”w x 7 1/4”t

• Signed paper label signed by the artist

About the Artist:

The Artistic Journey of Geoff Davis: From Whimsical Woodcarvings to Community-Building Projects

Nestled in the charming town of Noblesville, Indiana, the home studio of Geoff Davis exudes a rustic warmth that mirrors the artist's own inviting nature. Known for his intricately crafted woodcarvings, Davis has carved a niche for himself in the world of American folk art. His creations, which include whimsical birds, animals, and early American pull toys, are not just artistic expressions but a bridge to a bygone era rich in craftsmanship and storytelling.

Davis’s artistic roots run deep, tracing back to his Pennsylvania German heritage. He draws inspiration from traditional carvers like Wilhelm Schimmel and Schtockschnitzler Simmons, yet his work transcends mere homage. By blending wood, tinplate, and leather, he creates pieces that are distinctly his own. Each bird and animal he carves is imbued with a sense of history and personality, making his work highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Beyond his artistic creations, Davis is deeply committed to education and community engagement. He frequently conducts workshops at his Noblesville studio, sharing his knowledge of woodcarving, leatherwork, and other traditional crafts with students of all ages. His involvement with Traditional Arts Indiana underscores his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional art forms throughout the state.

One of Davis's notable projects is his "50 Little Birds" installment, which has garnered significant attention. This unique collection, which captures the essence of his whimsical style, has been showcased in various venues, including the Indianapolis International Airport. The installation offers travelers a glimpse into the charm and intricate craftsmanship of Davis’s work, turning the airport into an unexpected gallery space that delights and inspires​​.

Davis's journey and artistic philosophy were poignantly captured in the documentary "50 Little Birds," directed by Hannah Lindgren. The film delves into his personal struggles with mental health, revealing how his art serves as a therapeutic outlet and a means of living with intention. The documentary has garnered acclaim, winning the Best of Hoosier Lens award at the Indy Shorts and Heartland Film Festival, and is available for streaming on Hoodox​.

In addition to "50 Little Birds," Davis's adventurous spirit and love for community projects shine through in "Toboggan 'Bout Town." This short documentary, directed by Rocky Walls, chronicles Davis and three friends as they build a ten-foot toboggan and participate in the U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden, Maine. The film is a testament to Davis's ability to rally his community around creative and fun endeavors​.

Davis's influence extends beyond Indiana. He has taught at the esteemed Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine, offering workshops in book arts and nature journaling​. Moreover, his talents have taken him to Snow Farm in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. This renowned craft school, set in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains, provides a perfect backdrop for Davis to share his skills with a broader audience. Snow Farm’s immersive, hands-on workshops attract students from across the country, all eager to learn from master craftsmen like Davis.

Geoff Davis's multifaceted career is a beautiful blend of artistry, education, and community engagement. His work not only preserves traditional crafts but also fosters a sense of connection and creativity among those he teaches and inspires. As Davis continues to carve, teach, and build, his legacy as a folk artist and community builder only grows richer.