I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I’m having serious trouble coping with the current events of our country and the world. I find myself in an emotional condition that is totally new to me — seriously pent up anger, hatred, disbelief, frustration and incredulity are consuming me.
I just can’t any more with the political landscape of these less than united states, and I have found myself enjoying guilty pleasures provided by the sweet creativity of others.
So I’m taking on the task of sharing these sweet discoveries with you, because I’m sure I’m not the only one suffering from the catastrophic news of the minute.
Today, I’m introducing David M. Bird, artist and creator of Becorns.
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| Photo credit: David M. Bird Facebook page |
“Becorns are characters made from acorns and sticks, then photographed in the wild with real animals,” Bird states on his Facebook page. “The process usually involves a study of animal behavior, bird seed, and a lot of patience.”
I’m thinking patience doesn’t even begin to describe the work of this man who has brought so much pleasure and enjoyment into my life. The characters themselves are thoughtfully designed, painstakingly assembled and lovingly stored when not tasked with an outdoor assignment.
He surveys his property for the exact right spot for a scenario he has planned, he creates a drawing of the scene he hopes to capture photographically, he sets the scene up and then camps out with the patience of a monk to capture the desired image.
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| Photo credit: David M. Bird Facebook page |
Anyone who has ever attempted nature photography knows it is a game of hurry up and wait. It is a lonely, mostly thankless task that involves early morning and late night treks into wilderness areas, with no promise of return on time investment. For every single image that a photographer puts forth for public consumption, there are probably a thousand others that never see the light of day. My friend Kevin Moore, a well-known street and nature photographer, says he often depends on the photographic technique known as “spray and pray.” Roughly, that translates to quickly shooting a bunch of frames and praying there’s one good one. The great shot of the eagle in flight, with a perfect wing-spread, was not a one-and-done lucky shot. It is the result of squatting in the woods for hours, in all weather conditions, hoping to spot an eagle, let alone getting a decent shot.
So with that background, I pay homage to the efforts of the Becorn creator. Bird is at once an artist, a builder, a costume designer, a carver, a scriptwriter, a director, a set designer, a photographer and editor.
And after all the planning, building and shooting, he shares his work with us. I have spent more hours than I care to admit with the likes of the Jon Jon brothers, GoGo, Lord Gourdon, Kipling and a host of other characters. The Becorns are guards and protectors, they are companions and witnesses and sometimes they are hosts, offering seeds or berries to birds and small woodland creatures. I’ve sadly watched one be torn apart by a squirrel, but they are made of acorns, after all.
On top of the great content, Bird's narration on each video is a medicine all of its own. His soothing voice is the icing on top of the multi-layered video cakes he serves. He is indeed just what this nation's collective physician called for.
I don’t want to give too much away. I encourage you to visit David M. Bird’s Facebook page and immerse yourself in the adventures of the mighty Becorns.
The little creatures are an innocent and benevolent distraction from the evening news!
Enjoy!
