WHIPPOORWILL

The Whippoorwill is an elusive bird that is seldom scene, but whose call is recognized and celebrated as a haunting serenade in the night making it the subject of folklore throughout the ages. It’s plumage reflects the mottled colors of the forest floor where it camouflages making it nearly impossible for anyone to see, thus aiding in it’s mysterious reputation. The whippoorwill hunts utilizing it’s long whiskers to help in the capturing of large insects, as it fiercely swoops to catch it’s prey. When we were asked to create this portrait for our friends’ new listening club The Whippoorwill, we wanted it to be a lasting image that would reflect the beauty and power, mystery and passion of the music emanating from the stage. We wanted it to inspire creativity and give to our friend an image that would be reflective of his dream. In a signature song penned by the owner, the whippoorwill calls to his mate as he bares witness to the passion of two lovers beneath the smiling moon and starlit night...

Created with 1244 individual pieces, The Whippoorwill is the largest inlay/overlay leather composition on record. It measures 72" X 42" commanding the attention of anyone who walks in the door. Inspired by a 1" x 2" 1906 illustration by Chester A. Reed, we greatly enhanced the bird by choosing a pallette of 22 different colors in varying degrees of browns and greys anchored by it’s natural black and white markings. Color coding this piece took a pretty intense amount of concentration and constant referrals to photographs of real specimens. Taking over 1200 hours to create, The Whippoorwill is the most valuable piece we have created to date.