An Artist Talk with Chris Maynard

What does it take to carve a bird feather into a scene of breathtaking detail — using surgical scissors inherited from your father — and then elevate each piece just enough to let it cast its own shadow?

Join us for an evening with the artist himself as he shares the story behind his singular practice: how a childhood spent watching birds in the woods of Washington State, a background as a biologist and hydrologist, and a deep commitment to conservation all converged into one of the most original art forms working today.

Maynard will speak about his process, his philosophy, and the work on view in Feathered Masterpieces: The Artistry of Chris Maynard, currently filling SJIMA's North Gallery through September 14, 2026. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist — to understand not just how the work is made, but why feathers, why birds, and…