Artist Kate MccGwire has a fascinating series of feather sculptures. Made with fallen bird feathers. The resulting art forms look like snakes.
Wondering where these feathers come from? Well, they’re from either the local farms, the pigeon racers, or the gamekeepers. Most of them are from British birds, as Kate MccGwire is also British. Her latest work presents snake-like forms. They look like unique hybrid creatures hibernating.
Like most peculiar art projects, these feather sculptures began when Kate noticed some fallen pigeon feathers just nearby her art studio. With some inspiration, she then started to collect the feathers. In Kate’s own words, she describes her experience as follows:
“the play of opposites at an aesthetic, intellectual, and visceral level.”
“TURMOIL” 2016
Most of Kate’s feather sculptures would feature blue and spotted brown feathers. They would all lay in one, unified direction. As a result, your eyes could be fooled into seeing an illusion of snake scales. The snake—to your eyes—would be coiling and twisting around itself.
On the other hand, Kate MccGwire regards her feather sculptures as representing umbilical cords. According to the artist, the intention was to seduce you, the viewer, but at the same time, “revolt in equal measure.” Kate says:
“It’s really important to me that you’ve got that rejection of things you think you know for sure.”
British creative Kate MccGwire brings fallen bird feathers to life by transforming them into peculiar feather sculptures.
“TUSSLE” 2016
Kate’s latest work includes snake-like forms that are all covered with feather. They look like hibernating hybrid creatures.
“ANOMALY” 2017
“CONUNDRUM” 2017
The lustrous plumage comes from various British birds. They include roosters, magpies, and pheasants.
“INTROVERT” 2016
“INTROVERT” 2016
“SKIRMISH” 2015
“SENTIENT” 2016
“FLUX” 2017
“SHIVER” 2017
“FLUX” 2017
“SPILL” 2016
“SPILL” 2016
“SPATE” 2015
Interested at viewing these feather sculptures in person? Kate has regular exhibits in various places around Europe. Check out her schedule, plus more of her pieces of art on her website.