{tac}

Bernadette Emrick

Artist Statement for 'b-house (2010)' for 'Where Birds Dream Show & Silent Auction, Winter 2010

What is the modern bird looking for in a house these days? Certainly location is important, with the strongest, shadiest tree being considered the “better neighborhood” to most.  But I believe the modern bird is looking for something more than a place to sort their bits of thread and fluff to create a safe haven to raise their young.  

With the current proliferation of “nest” magazines the modern bird is now demanding of their architects a house designed with STYLE.   Modern, efficient, with clean lines and a look that says, “We have good taste!”  And many of them are asking for house designs with a “mid-century” look (a look, by the way, that never goes out of fashion!); a bit Joseph Eichler, a little Richard Neutra; preferably with a pool.  A well ordered, clean and serene house, a house that gives your modern bird “chirping rights”.  

Built for the strongest, shadiest tree, of course.

This project was really a collaborative effort; I designed the birdhouse, with suggestions/changes made during construction, by Tony Maida, and my husband, Lucas Rockwell.  Tony Maida actually built the house for me, since I know nothing about construction.  So this bird house is really a "Team Rockwell" effort. All materials were sourced at Tony's place in Lake Tahoe, so it's all recycled materials to boot!  Anyway, it was a really fun project, but I would have never been able to build it myself....as I found out, it's a lot of work!