about Madeline

I’ve always known that I have an artist’s soul. 

Within my practical nature lies an artist’s soul, but for decades, it’s remained buried in days filled with the abundance of family life, volunteer opportunities, and work obligations. Just as I have released my birds from within their wooden constraints, I too find a bit of release from daily life with my artistic pursuits.

After my husband and I raised our two sons ~ all three of whom are wonderfully supportive of me ~ I finally decided to tuck away my accountant's decades-old calculator and give my artistic side some room to breathe, and what a better way than embracing my passion for birds. 

I bought my first charm of finches more than a decade ago, and most of that original charm (the name for a group of finches) lived for more than 8 years. I currently have 5 chirping away in my kitchen. They are my companions and unknowing models when I carve. 

I hand carve, paint and embellish each Madeline Bird with a quote. 

Over the years I have collected beautiful quotations. If one were to open my cabinet door, they would find handwritten quotes lining the interior.  Powerful or pithy, fun or insightful, from T.S. Eliot to Willie Nelson, I’ve scribbled them down for years. It seemed only fitting that I incorporate them into my artistic pursuits.

My first attempts at carving will remain hidden ~ my first bird looked like a whale ~ but I kept at it until I carved a bird that was worthy of having a beloved quote tucked under its wing.

Once carved and painted, I embellish my birds with anything from vintage Monopoly game pieces to Swarovski crystals to feathers ~ often including the naturally dropped feathers from my own finches. I’ve embraced a theme of observation with my pieces, hence the use of vintage cameras, opera glasses, and sextants as the base of my sculptures.

Nothing makes me happier than receiving an order, knowing that you connected with one of my pieces. Or, if you don’t see anything in my collection that resonates with you, I often work on commission, creating fully custom pieces just for you..

Know that your purchase is going to a worthy cause — 100% off the profits from Madeline Birds go to the child advocacy organization I worked with for many years.