Pa. German Three Carved and Painted Birds c. 1937

These three carved and painted birds were made by Victor F. Muollo, who lived between 1855 and 1995. We can see that he worked with simple materials – wood, and paint – but used them to great effect. The first thing to notice is the way that the wood is worked. It is clearly hand-carved, using basic tools to create the forms of the birds. The paint is applied in a way that highlights the texture of the wood. The artist clearly had an understanding of the material, allowing its inherent qualities to shine through. Notice how the artist has used color to bring the birds to life. The colors are bright and bold. The act of carving and painting is a labor-intensive one, requiring skill and patience. Muollo has taken the time to create something that is not only visually appealing, but also has a sense of playfulness and joy. This reflects an approach to artmaking that values both process and the final product, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.