History
William Cowen began carving birds in 1986. His first four birds were self taught. In 1988 Bill met George Walker who would become his mentor until George's passing in 1995. George Walker, a pioneer in American bird carving, is probably best known for his 16 first place ribbons and 4 second place ribbons at the 1969 National Championship Carving Competition in New York, a feat which has never been equaled before or since.

How Bill Creates a Bird Carving
The Carving Emerges
First, Bill first cuts the block of Tupelo wood to size. He uses a handmade side profile pattern of the bird he is carving to cut the basic shape. Then, he begins carving using only hand tools to create the realistic shape and feather groups. To create textures, Bill uses various tools such as small stones and dental tools. After the feet and eyes are in, the carving is placed on a mount or a base and is sealed with lacquer.

Through the Use of Color, the Bird Comes to Life
Next, is the crucial step of painting, a process that can take up to several weeks. Bill uses acrylic or oil paint depending upon the effect the wants to achieve with the piece. After final drying,the sculpture is complete.

Philosophy
Bill's bird carving is an extension of his philosophy that nature brings us back to the essence of our being and is something that should be treasured.