Birds were always a part of Chris Maynard’s childhood. As a young person, he took refuge in the woods around his home in Washington State where, his head nestled in moss, he watched the birds up in the tall trees. He began working with feathers at age 12. Today, Maynard carves feathers into intricate art.

For him, feathers represent flight, transformation, and a bridge between our present lives and our dreams. Since feathers are universal symbols these qualities, Maynard’s art speaks to many people’s longings as well as to people who revere birds.

Maynard works with feathers from turkeys, parrots, peacocks, and other birds and crafts them into scenes that are displayed in his world-renowned shadow boxes. A conservationist at heart, Maynard’s feathers are legally obtained. Many of the feathers are naturally shed which means that the birds they came from may still be alive.  

 Maynard’s work is included in collections and publications in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His book, Feathers, Form & Function, highlights his work and tells stories about what feathers are, what roles they fill for birds, and why people find them alluring. He is working on another book or two.

About the Feathers

Feathers mark nature’s pinnacle of achievement: the intersection of function and beauty. They make flight possible; insulate against water, sun and wind; and their colors and patterns help them hide and attract mates.

To Chris Maynard, each feather is a small bit of perfection. When birds shed or discard their feathers every year, he recycles them in his art.

Feather legalities

The feathers Maynard uses are from private aviaries and zoos. Except for turkey feathers, Most feathers used are from birds not native to North America—even the crow feathers. The exception to using feathers from North America are those from turkeys and grouse. All feathers used in Maynard's artwork are legal to have and sell. For shipping outside the USA, domestic turkey feathers are usually best choice.