Donnie at a recent competitive show in Chapel Hill, N.C. |
First things where they belong . . .
This is not an advertisement ...paid or otherwise.
As a matter of fact, when our friend Donnie sees this, it will be his first awareness that this little tribute is being made to one of his many unique talents ---building birdhouses. But not just those of unimaginative joining together of pieces of lumber.
Donnie's edifices are works of art. Whimsical, creative, imaginative, beautiful . . . these are the first adjectives that occur. In his 9-5 life, he works in a nearby high tech corporation. But before leaving for that world and after returning home, his creativity in another realm emerges. Initially conceived as a way to generate tuition income for his college-age son, Old South Birdhouses Company's recognition and success have surpassed his modest original goals.
At dinner with several friends this week, someone asked where he got his ideas. He modestly said something to the effect, "Well,I have a drawer full of junk that I try to put to use." He gathers that 'drawer full of junk' by frequent forays through antique venues, old tobacco barns, yard sales, and salvage yards. Where others see 'junk', he sees components of pieces of art. He has created birdhouses of fish, roosters, old automobile logo, man-cave themes,. . . No two pieces are identical.
For a larger sampling of the diversity of his art, see the Facebook page for Old South Birdhouse Company.
In the few years since beginning this hobby/avocation, Donnie has exhibited his work in numerous venues and won several "Best in Show" accolades. Additionally, he has had a retail booth in some of the most prestigious craft shows in the area. My daughter and family have a couple of his houses, given as Christmas gifts, in their Alabama yard.
Placed in memory of one of our Family members |
DeLuxe Birdie Apartment (Full view below right) |
This Rooster is one of three of Donnie's birdhouses in our yard. |
I'm so glad you profiled Donnie here! He creates such fantastic and practical pieces of art. And humble beyond compare -- he will work with you to find just the right "junk" to make your birdhouse exactly how you want it to be!
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