Heart shaped faces
If you’ve looked into the face of a Barn Owl you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Barn Owls are known for their heart-shaped facial disc. It funnels and directs sound into their ears, giving them some of the most sensitive hearing in the animal kingdom. They have such a steady stare too - as if they’re looking directly into your soul.
The other day I updated you about my workshop Owls - now the chicks are clambering out of the nest box, and making their first running, jumping and flapping movements along the beams and around the high surfaces. Daily they become more able and bolder in their antics.
One morning when I opened the workshop door I was greeted by a perched chick in front of me, completely still, staring back at me staring at it. I was the first to blink and I backed out of the shed and let it be.
All of me disappeared into that moon face and dark eyes.
I’ve been looking closely at the nature camera images of the chicks taken when I’m not there. There are so many poses for me to explore in my carving for Barn Owl sculptures but the first has to be all about that special face and intent gaze.
This latest Barn Owl sculpture is now available in my Studio Collection.