| Description |
Jim E. Hazeley (1934-2013)
Lancaster, PA c. 1994
18.5" tall scene | 6.5" deep | Kestrel is 8.75" long
Wood, Metal, Glass
A distinguished bird carver from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hazeley is renowned for his lifelike representations of avian species. Beginning his carving journey in 1981, Hazeley specialized in decorative birds, earning widespread admiration for his meticulous attention to detail and realism. Eventually earning the right to compete in the coveted Masters Class at the Ward Foundation's World Championship Wildfowl Carving Contest, truly the highest class of carving in the world.
A native of Philadelphia, Hazeley pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida. His service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict further enriched his life experiences.
Carved from tupelo, this stoic Kestrel showcases Jims world class carving, his understanding of the bird, it's prey, and his artistic vision to highlight them all. Placed atop a solid black plinth with a carved branch extending upward for the kestrel to perch upon. Tightly clutching it's fresh caught meal, the grasshopper is a stunning feat of recreation in wood, metal, and paint itself. Brilliantly painted with every segment and ridge sculpted or cut to emualte the real insect. The kestrel?s head is turned to the left, its sharp gaze seemingly on alert for potential threats to its meal. The bird is finely sculpted with each wing and feather tuft, then the body is covered in intricate feathering. The delicate wing tips raise and cross over the backside. The underside of the base is signed and dated by the carver.
A defining feature that sets apart Ward World Champion competition carvers is the complete talent required to create every aspect of the bird. The only aspect of the creation that can be manufactured by anything other than the carver, are the eyes. Every other aspect must be made from scratch.
Condition: Excellent and original
Provenance:
Private collection New Jersey acquired directly from the artist
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