Michael Stephenson removes wood until only the simple beauty of the bird form remains. Made of the most beautiful woods he can find on the earth, they each unique in wood and shape. Each piece can be removed from the stand so you can connect to the wood by holding bird in hand and enjoying the grain. This wood sculpture is composed of an Amboyna Burl full body and Mopani base. Creating a full body out of Amboyna is very difficult and must be carefully done with this exotic wood that comes from small burls.

Amboyna Burl is one of the most exotic burls of the world, and used for high end veneers such as the dashboard of the Mercedes Mai Bock. It is the most expensive and sought-after of the burl species and is used for highly decorative turnings, guitars, and wood sculptures and is sold by the weight. The colors are reddish brown and can swing into gold. The burls are found on the Narra and Paduak trees in Southeast Asia.

Mopani is a beautiful, two-color African hardwood. The unique mottled color, textures and smooth surface make it a great base. Between gnarled knots, sweeping grains and pointy horns each piece is truly unique.