No. 16 The Northern Parula

Every Bird Has a Story:

In 2024 I canoed and birded the Northern Forest Canoe Trail on a Lilly Foundation Teacher Renewal Fellowship. It was a grand and wonderful and terribly difficult trip. I’d spent years training and accumulating gear.

My trip began in June, so i knew that I had to learn to bird by ear. I used an iPad app as well as recordings and field work to hone my skills. They were coming into their own, but I had so much to learn (I still do).

After a tough morning portage - of several miles - I collapsed under a tree and took an impromtu naps. (This happened often.) I awoke - hat over face - to a loud upwardly spiraling “z-i-i-iiiiiiiiip”.. Northern Parula, snapped into my brain with absolutely no thought.

It was then and there that I realized that ear birding fluency was a thing….and I was developing it! With this realization, I went on to develop the (still emerging) skills I have today.

Like most warblers, most Northern Parulas are fleeting in Indiana, but there are occasional [pairs that hang on through the summer. I absolutely celebrate every one I hear.

• Knife-carved from cedar or white pine

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

• Imported glass bead eyes

• Mounted on a painted fopund wood base on a hickory stick.

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