Feathers as art

American artist Chris Mayanard uses thin surgical instruments designed for ophthalmic operations, miniature scissors, forceps and sharp scalpels to cut intricate bird-like patterns from feathers. Chris Maynard, a resident of Olympia, Washington, USA, created his first work from a pen in 2011. Since then, the 58-year-old artist has created 80 such art objects, each of which is created within a few days. The feathers are then placed in frames called "shadow boxes". These amazing works sell for between $800 and $2000.

(12 photos in total)

1. "Feathers look best on birds," says Chris Maynard. - But the sight of one feather gives a completely different perspective on the beauty, function and shape of the bird. It is a creation of nature. I just create the design and the right lighting."

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3. "Most birds lose (shed) and renew their feathers about once a year, single feathers are easy to use and photograph without causing any harm to the birds. Most of the photos show feathers lost as a result of molting. Many of these feathers were taken from museums, zoos and private aviaries."

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