No. 36 The Brown Creeper

Every Bird Has a Story:

Originally published in 2011 on a long retired blog. It’s long, but it’s a good one. (I’ve included the shots mentioned in the piece.)

I love everything about autumn.  I love the cool dry air.  I love the damp and earthy smells of the forest and the dry leafy smells of leaves on the sidewalk.  I love the changing greens to reds and oranges and golds.  Most of all I love the change in the very light — the beautiful golden dappled light of a long autumn afternoon.

On one of these magnificent days I was working with Kelley, an Indianapolis photographer, to shoot my bird carvings for online promotions and art show juries.
Kelley is a master at capturing the beauty and power of objects made by hand.  She portrays these objects in beautiful and sometime unexpected contexts.  One this fall day she was taking my work, in twos and threes, to shoot against the backdrop of the neighborhood — ancient brick,  peeling clapboard and moss covered stone.
As she worked inside and out the door was propped open.  While she worked I carved and painted and lost myself at my bench.
“There’s a bird in here,” she announced coming in through the door.

The room is filled with birds — materials for reference and inspirations.  A full sized Canada goose decoy and carved American eagle, complete with carved flag and shield, grace the fireplace.  A two foot long cut-out Baltimore oriole hangs on the wall between two windows and over a bench sander.  Here and there, tucked behind woodwork and taped and pinned on the walls are dozens of bird photographs and drawings.  On my benches and on the shelved perch a dozen, or more, of my carvings in various stages of completion.
There was little doubt that she would find a bird in my studio.  I gave an amused nod and went back to my work.
Kelley persisted, “No, there’s a bird in here.”

I nodded, not looking up.

Her voice took on an edge, “No there’s a REAL bird in here!”

Now she had my attention.

I looked up and found here standing on the other end of the room looking at something high on the wall.

I crossed the room quickly , turned and looked up following her gaze.

Clinging to the doorway moulding was a tiny brown speckled bird with a long curved beak and a splendid splayed tail.  It was the (seldom seen) brown creeper.

The creeper started at the commotion below, dropped from its perch and began to fly in erratic circles around the room.  It came to a rest clinging to the rough ceiling not far from where it started.

It soon dropped again and continued to make wild circles.  As within seconds it was again perched over the doorway.

It’s been my experience with birds trapped inside that they attempt to find their freedom — flying in circles and beating themselves senseless on the window glass.  Once exhausted they submit and it’s usually a simple matter to pick them up and take them outside.

We didn’t want to see this fragile little bird crashing into windows.  I grabbed a nearby chair, climbed up and reached for the creeper.  I expected the crazed flights around the room to resume, but it had had enough.  I gentle grasped it in my hand, climbed down and walked out the open door.  Kelley followed close behind with a camera in her hand.

“Fly away, “ I said, opening my hand.

Amazingly it didn’t.  I opened my hand, palm side up, and the delicate little bird climbed onto my finger, threw back its head and began to sing!

I stroked its tail feathers and lingered a bit before walking to the wooded grove behind the studio.  There I gently placed the creeper on a branch.  Only then did it fly deeper into the brush.  Our moment — the entire ordeal had lasted less than two or three minutes — was over.

Oh — and Kelley got the picture!

• Knife-carved from cedar or white pine

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

• Imported glass bead eyes

• Mounted on a found wood stump.

• Measures approximately 3”l x 2 1/2”w x 8 1/2”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.