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Michael Peterson, Bird House, 1994, madrone, 9 3⁄4 x 6 x 4 3⁄4 in. (24.7 x 15.1 x 12.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.46
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Bird House
- Artist
- Date
- 1994
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 9 3⁄4 x 6 x 4 3⁄4 in. (24.7 x 15.1 x 12.1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- madrone
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 2003.60.46
Artwork Description
Michael Peterson hand carved this birdhouse to look like it emerged directly from nature, as a part of tree crafted by wind, rain, and animal activity. Peterson has been turning and carving wood on Lopez Island in Washington state since the late 1970s.
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World, 2022
Luce Center Label
Michael Peterson "saw" the shape of Bird House within the uncut wood. The carved ridges and curves follow the stripes of grain around the piece, and knots in the wood have become smooth holes. The sculpture appears to have been taken directly from the trunk of a tree, almost as if Peterson merely polished and presented a natural form.