Calvin Nicholls

A flurry of motion as a blue jay lifted from the ground inspired an experiment in creating an expression of movement in paper. Twisting swirls and flowing form were imposed into the silky surface of 100% cotton papers by Strathmore. The background is a unique cotton and flax fibre sheet created by artisans at Papeterie Saint Armand papers in Montreal. Each version I create in this series explores new forms and methods as I acquaint myself with this spontaneous process of cutting and embossing.

Many of my paper sculpture images are produced as 9x12 image size limited edition prints. Visit https://calvinnicholls.com/shop-prints/ to view the entire collection. There's something for everyone: song birds, mammals, birds of prey and even some birds of paradise.

A misty morning raven is caught demonstrating persistence and curiosity while exploring all aspects of its surroundings. In this instance the very materials and methods used in my presentation are under careful scrutiny. (Two of three hand made editions of this framed raven sculpture remain in stock - one in silver and the other in white)

Perhaps my inclination to experiment with various paper types and colours was inspired by the raven's own curiosity. It certainly is highly motivated to probe and ponder encountered objects for meaning and future use. And my interest in papers of varying types was applied to see how they could alter and enhance the effects of this particular layout. The background in this piece is hand made by the Mirichi group of artisans in India while the white paper is an archival creation of Strathmore. (Three versions of this gesture were hand made in the studio, the first in black on taupe which has sold.)

This elliptical arrangement of gardenia blooms is situated in a way that the shadow from dedicated lighting fills out the open space on a soft background in this hand made circular shadow box frame. Optium museum acrylic is used for its near zero reflections and 99% UV filtering which combine to provide for many, many generations of crystal clear viewing.

A mourning dove took centre stage in our apple tree in early spring catching my eye and that of several doves. The performance was played out for hours on end at the beginning of another season as bonds were established and nest sites selected. This showy gesture was represented in two versions: one in Strathmore 100% cotton paper and the other in a shimmering mica coated pH neutral sheet called “Stardream” which is created by MyCordenons in Italy. The background is a heavily textured, mildly cockled and exceedingly rare sheet from "Papeterie" Saint Armand papers in Montreal. This fabulous 100% cotton sheet has flax fibre added in its production offering a unique texture and organic feel. It made the perfect contrast to the delicate form and papers in the birds. And for an added bit of drama, I hand cut the shadow below the bird from an actual sheet of black fineart paper produced by Canson in France. (both #1 and #2 in this series of two pieces have sold)

An eagle owl became a fixture in the streets of Manhattan for many months after being deliberately released in an act of vandalism from a zoo facility in New York City. It attracted attention whenever spotted gliding overhead or while resting on a convenient perch. Creating this piece was first in celebration of this urban anomaly but second from my feeling that like the Blue Moon, Pink Moon and Harvest Moon, there aught to be an Owl Moon.

A single copy of this hand made edition of seven framed sculptures remains which depicts a nuthatch perched on a coiled flap of paper. It is the third species to be depicted in my Backyard Birds series of sculptures which are delivered framed using the finest mouldings and glazing to assure generations of viewing.

Researching this piece opened doors to new contacts including noted author Douglas Chadwick and several biologists who track and seek to understand the habits of this elusive and unrelenting creature. Discussions with the avid art collector and ardent outdoorsman who commissioned this work, prompted a process that quickly advanced from depicting the species alone to placing it in the hierarchy of the apex predators of Washington state and western Canada. What a thrill! Proof once more that sometimes, great ideas that I may never have conceived, develop from visionary and creative clients!

The fourth species in my Backyard Bird series made from 100% cotton paper by Strathmore. Framed in a contemporary shadow box moulding with ArtGlass92 for pin-sharp viewing without reflection while achieving top level UV protection. (Two copies remaining in this hand made edition of seven)