Pat Godin Miniature Greater Prairie Chicken

Pat Godin (b. 1953) Paris, Ontario, Canada, 2011 9 3/4 in. tall, 6 1/4 by 5 in. base

In the 2011 Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition, this carving won Best-in-World in the highly competitive Decorative Miniature class.

This greater prairie chicken in midair is a truly exceptional, award-winning work by a living legend of decorative bird carving.

Both the bird and the prairie vegetation are carved and painted wood. The shaping of the primary feathers and accuracy in achieving the realistic and complex patterns of this bird reflects the artist’s thorough knowledge of the species. While the bird is the centerpiece of this carving, the grasses over which the chicken hovers are a critical element of the presentation. Of note is the masterful suspension of the prairie chicken over the base which gives the impression of actual flight. The standing grasses under the bird are metal with a single blade supporting the bird.

The underside of the base is inscribed by the artist "'Battle on the Lek' / Greater Prairie Chicken by Pat Godin” and is signed “Patrick R. Godin.” The name and signature retain the masking tape from its anonymous entry in the Worlds competition. A lek is a gathering that involves competitive displays and courtship rituals by the males to impress the females who will subsequently select their mating partners. Original condition with minimal wear.

Provenance: Best-in-World Decorative Miniature, 2011 Private Collection, Pennsylvania, acquired directly from the artist

Provenance

Best-in-World Decorative Miniature, 2011 Private Collection, Pennsylvania, acquired directly from the artist