|
|
|
|
I have tried to capture the restlessness of these little birds as they dart about, suddenly changing direction with their large tail in order to catch insects on the wing. The Maori had a proverb that captures that essence: HE TOU TIRAIRAKA. This means a “fantail’s tail” and is used of a restless person.
|
The garden series is made by assembling
sections of tanalised ply with aerodux glue to make a block which is then
carved. That means there is no weakness anywhere due to wood grain, which
would be the case if carved out of a solid block of wood. The models are
left with the natural surface showing the lines of the ply with the
surface treated with a water proof sealer.
|
There are a number of ways these little birds can be mounted. They come mounted on a block of wood. You can take them out of the block and push them in the soil or in drilled holes on top of stakes, fence posts, a piece of driftwood, on the back of rustic seats, on top of handrails, etc. |
 This is model 11 for inside display. Ordinary ply and
glue is used. It is rough sanded only to keep labour costs down and the
price low at $ 40. It is permanently mounted using a piece of driftwood or
smooth machined wood. This is your choice.
|
The same model is available for $ 50 and now it has been sanded smooth and oiled. (O) This is model 11O. It can keep you company on your desk or mantel piece  The model for outside use has a coat of epoxy to
protect it against the weather (model 11E). Price $ 50. Here it is shown
on top of a log in the garden. It has come to look what insects you are
scaring from their hiding places as you walk along because they shall make
a nice snack. |
|
