Jerry Poindexter's Wood Bird Sculptures

Birds. They come in all sizes and shapes, with plumage ranging from beiges and greys to outrageous color combinations that visually shout out their presence.

For woodcarver Jerry Poindexter, of Spokane, a truly well-carved bird sculpture is one that takes into account this uniqueness of each subject, and accurately represents the many and varied details of a particular species. To artistically replicate a black-capped chickadee, say, or a snowy owl, the artist needs to spend a lot of time researching before making the first cut in the wood.

In other words, you can't just wing it.

Poindexter, who serves as a judge in international carving exhibitions, and also enters them, has been a regular columnist at Wildfowl Carving Magazine since 2003. He writes a column addressing paint notes and bird measurements. He has also written two books, Songbirds I and II, compiling 50 measured drawings – patterns for other woodworkers to use – and gives classes on the intricacies of bringing a block of tupelo wood to visual life.

An array of Poindexter's carved birds is on display at Wenaha Gallery through July 14. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.