Wooden Birds 1935 - 1942

These ‘Wooden Birds’ were made by Alice Domey sometime during her lifetime, which spanned from 1855 to 1995. The artwork depicts a watercolor of three wooden bird carvings: a rooster, a generic smaller bird, and a parrot. Looking closely, you can see that the wood grain subtly shows through the paint. The artist has carefully considered the forms of the birds, capturing their essence with a few deft strokes. The process here is not about high-end materials. This is an everyday scene, elevated by Domey’s observation and her choice of medium. The very act of painting these humble objects transforms them. They become more than mere craft, edging into the realm of fine art. It is a testament to the power of making and the potential for beauty to be found in the ordinary. Domey coaxes the painted image into an aesthetic statement. In doing so, she asks us to reconsider the value we place on different kinds of creative work.