“Since having a real bird in our palms is not a regular occurrence, my friend Lou Chenier from the Art Gallery of Burlington has carved these ones for you or a loved one to hold. Each bird is unique and comes in a box with the poem on a card. A beautiful gift that will bring comfort during this isolating time ❤️”. - Lil Kot

The Friendship Birds are carved using various types of wood. As you can see, there are many to choose from and people who purchase them pick a wood and color that they are drawn to. You can pick them up in Binbrook, Ancaster, or Upper Stoney Creek. We also ship across Canada and all around the world!

The inspiration for this carving came when Lou saw a log sitting in the tall grass at a wood mill in Flamborough.  The gentleman told him it had been there for twenty years and couldn’t understand why he would be interested in it when there was three acres of beautiful wood he could choose from.

He told the gentleman, “I see a pig.”  The man laughed and wished him luck.

Well, here he is ... looking just fine.  Ladies and gentlemen, The Duke of Porkingham.

The wood is Box Elder, also called “Manitoba Maple”. The colours of wood you see are all natural, I only put on a coat of clear finish. I left the grey on him to represent that he is sitting in the mud. The “mud” he is sitting on is good, old barn boards. The apples are also carved in natural wood. The red apples, including the one in his mouth, are carved from a wood called “Chakte Kok” or “Redheart” from Brazil. The others are Russian Olive, Butternut and Manzanita, which comes from California.

Busy working on my latest carving called "Porkingham".  I'm free-styling this carving, inventing it as I go! People ask me why I like to carve pigs.  I like the expression on people's faces when they see these carvings.  People always want to buy them.

Awards Received:
First place - Hamilton Wood Show
First Place - Kitchener Wood Show
Third Place - Niagara Wood Show
Honorable Mention - Art Gallery of Burlington Carving Show

My latest carving on display at the Art Gallery of Burlington from April 27 to May 24, 2015. Come and see my friends’ carvings, too. This scene represents where Abby and I went for our hikes in the forest.

Winner of Judges Choice Award, woodworking in the medium of Intarsia.  Art Gallery of Burlington annual Kaleidoscope open competition.