| Description |
Jim E. Hazeley (1934-2013)
Lancaster, PA c. 1988
Owl 8" tall | 12" tall scene | 6" deep | 10" wide
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.
This exact carving took 3rd place in the Open Class 'Decorative Lifesize Wildfowl: Birds of Prey' division at the Ward Foundation's 1988 World Championship Wildfowl Carving Contest. A record breaking year that saw 918 carvers entering 2,127 carvings into the prestigious juried exhibition, which attracted carvers as far away as Norway and Japan.
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. A true testiment to the artistry and engineering skill a carver had to employ in creating detailed scenes such as this Owl. If you are curious to learn more about the high artistic standards or specific component composition, we would love to discuss this more with you. Please don't hesitate to contact the auction house.
The intricate scene depicts the owl with its fresh catch, a field mouse which is also carved entirely from wood, resting in the branch of an acorn tree. Intricate scenes as this tell a story about the birds natural habitat, and so the compoents must be as accurate as the bird itself. The bird has delicately carved tufts and feathering. The entire surface is meticulously scored to add feathered texture to the surface.
In addition to its placing at the Ward Worlds in 1988, it also won accolades at numerous other presitgious carving competitions of the time. The lot comes with all the ribbons that the family still retained, as well as the original photo of it taken with its ribbon at the 1988 Ward Worlds.
SHIPPING: Please note that these highly fragile carvings are best handled via pick up or delivery. Delivery costs vary. Please contact the auction house to discuss transportation needs.
Condition: Excellent and original with a tiny crack at the base of the rear talon on the left foot.
Provenance:
Private collection New Jersey acquired directly from the artist
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