KNYSNA NEWS - Well-known Knysna sculptor, Mike Stripp specialises in highly realistic carved and painted wood and bronze birds. 

For many years this self-taught artist exhibited his finely detailed sculptures at Feathers of Knysna gallery and today his work is in major art collections such as those of Johann Rupert, General Electrical USA and Ronald Yates (Sainsburys UK).

Carving in wood is unforgiving as there is no room for mistakes. Mike uses dentist’s drills and diamond cutters to create the accuracy of dimension and texture that make his birds so lifelike. 

Thereafter the painting of the birds can take up to 80 coats of fine airbrushing. 

The colours are built up in thin layers of gouache and the highlights are done by hand.

He particularly enjoys emulating the movement of indigenous raptors in flight or action. He describes them as "majestic masters of the sky". 

The exact likeness to his subject and the delicacy in the detail leave one awestruck.

Before starting a carving, Mike ensures he knows all aspects of the bird. He does extensive research in books and he works from mounted birds and skins which he obtains from the University of Cape Town's ornithological department.

His understanding extends to such aeronautical details as how the A’lula spuria feather on the elbow joint of a raptor’s wing creates a vortex that pushes the air over the top of the wing, making it possible for the bird to slow down when landing.

Mike Stripp’s sculptural skill is rare anywhere in the world and here he is, hidden in Knysna.

Watch a video interview with Mike Stripp by Martin Hatchuel on www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSSJkJ_RnHA.

Sandy Bekker, director of iafricagallery.com, specialises in local and Southern African contemporary artists. 

More detailed images of Mike Stripp's available sculptures can be viewed at www.iafricagallery.com. Info: sandy@iafricagallery.com

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