Bird Man Flying High.
A man who spent 20 years studing birds on a canal boat is taking the plunge with a new studio to perfect his unique craft.
Glyn Cutts, who answer to the name of The Bird Whittler, ai the only professional in the country to create life-like birds from blocks of lime wood using nothing more than a stanley knife.
Residents will be able to see is creations, which sell for between £100 and £200 each, and whatch him in action at a craft fair this sunday in swanley's Alexandra Suite, St Mary's Road.
He and his partner Pam have just opened a studio near Tunbridge Wells.
Mr Cutts said: "Vistors can't believe the effect I get without using traditional whittling tools. It's such an awesome feeling when you end up with a bird created from a block of wood."
He has spent six years perfecting the art of painting his bird in natural colours and textures, only for clients to request a wood lacquer finish.
He said: " That seems to be the trend, but for me they don't come to life until they are painted."
The bird lover spends hours walking through the countyside, studing his subjects, always looking for a visual snapshot he can replicate with his stanley knife.
Even the mounts, naturally formed pieces of wood found in the kent countryside, have to be a perfect match to convey a believable image of a bird in its habitat.
Mr Cutts said: "you have to believe a bird would really land on the piece of wood. I can walk for hours and only find one mount that's suitable."
He has perfected the art of wood inserts, a delicate and painstaking process using 50 scribes per inch with a sharp soldering pen.
The feathers are then sanded until they replicate quills before being inserted into slits made with a stanley knife.
Feathers are then moistened to mould to the bird contours.
The bird Whittler will be joined at the fair by watercolour artist, historical novelist TJ Ward, psychics, Indian head masseurs and a huge range of craft stalls. Entry is £1. For full details visit www.thebirdwhittler.com
martin.sawden@archant.co.uk
