The Red Dot Gallery, Holt - Studio Showroom For Obsession Publishing Co.

The Bird Maker

Born in Leicestershire, England in 1958, Anthony Dunkley’s rural upbringing left him keenly attune with nature and acutely aware of the changing seasons; arrivals, departures, fruiting and flowerings. He was instantly recognisable in his village through his befriended magpie, Basil, who would sit proudly on his arm.

Out of this awareness, two passions developed; all things horticultural from propagation to harvest, with a particular bias to the culinary; and a fascination in observing birds at close quarters, their habits and habitats which is manifest in his current creations.

Completely self-taught, as a young man Anthony would produce sketches directly from nature, particularly of birds and mammals – the simplicity and immediacy of the graphite studies proved a vital step towards the sculptures he has been making over the past three years. The mixed media pieces generally comprise wire, wood and papier-mâché, whitewashed to provide a ‘blank canvas’ then painted in a distinctive style that evokes a sense of traditional folk art and craft. Though the pieces are clearly made primarily with, and for pleasure, Anthony regularly chooses his subjects for the individual challenges they present; can he capture their essence? And of course, each one’s characteristics are unique.

There is something refreshing in Anthony’s approach to his life. Whilst the sun shines and days are long he is likely to be found on his allotment, one that provides almost self-sufficiency. His creativity is clearly evident here too. Amusingly animated scarecrows welcome visitors, woven hazel and willow structures over which runner beans and sweet peas scramble and twine, and best of all his very own storks ‘nesting’ atop his garden shed.

Irrespective of the changing seasons, Anthony feels it a privilege to live in a county where there is limitless scope for observing birds, amongst internationally renowned reserves, and enjoying the beauty in walks along the coast under the wide skies of North Norfolk……but as the days begin to shorten, he turns his creative energies, once again, to his sculptural works.

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