Scrupulously recreated nests made of woven Swallowswort & Iris grasses, inspired by the nests of the Red-Eyed Vireo, American Robin and New World Oriole.  

Not unlike the process for making baskets, each nest involves interlacing grasses tightly in the palm of my hand. When structurally sound the forms are woven into Lilac, Maple and Magnolia branches. Once complete each branch is cut into 9 inch segments, encased in ceramic shell, and fired overnight so all organic material (nest, branch) burns away.

Molten bronze is poured into the ceramic, which now hollow, serves as a mold. When cooled, the ceramic is carefully chipped away to reveal the bronze nest, branch and tree buds. The 9” sections are welded together to re-create the original form. Skillful bronze finish and patina recreate important texture and glowing color.