Carved wooden Hermit thrush by Tracy Kochanski.jpg

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on March 12, 2021 at 9:30am

Curator’s Comments:  

 

The wooden carousal figure Carved Wooden Hermit Thrush appeared in a random search on the site this morning, and it was interesting to view the work away from the other carved animals. While I admire your tremendous skill evidenced in the classic carousel horses, the thrush holds an almost surreal fascination for me.  While still a familiar character in full carousals, the blown-up scale of the small bird to a rideable animal causes one to reconsider the form on a different level. The bird’s brown feathers and markings appear true to local color, while the inclusion of floral elements and the green leaf-like seat render her more inviting. I can see from the installation picture considerable texture on her breast, and what appear to be glassy eyes. I’m curious how these aesthetic decisions are arrived at, whether by tradition or invention, understanding in your notation that this piece is a commission. I do hope you are continuing your wonderful sculptural practice, and hope you consider posting new works to the site.