Watching light breathe life into my sculptures is my reward.
Framed original artwork from the picture book "The True Ugly Duckling - How Hans Christian Andersen Became a Swan" -author Sandra Nickel - published by LevineQuerido isbn 978-1-64614-576--8 Available on request artwork approximately 24"w x 16"h
New Release – December 2025
“Playful Purpose” chickadee
“Their acrobatic antics and inviting calls are easily interpreted as a joyful approach to life.
So joyful that I created two layouts!”
white -100% cotton paper by Strathmore
grey – Talas fine art paper
support – Ontario Flax – Saint Armand of Montreal
Artwork 7″x 7″
frame 14″ x 14″ x 1.5″
PURCHASE NOW
“Hovering” – gardenia wreath 1/1
“I was intrigued with the idea of adding a shadow under the petals using a slightly heavier shade of blue paper.”
Frame size 22″ diameter
Birds and blooms in 100% cotton paper by Strathmore
Conservation mat background by Artique
Lacquered white frame and ArtGlass for UV filtering and reflection reduction
(SOLD)
“Full Moon Owl” – owl 1/1
An owl affectionately called “Flaco” flew the streets of Manhattan for a short few months after release through vandalised enclosures.
Perching to the delight of tourists and residents this winged-wonder sadly perished after adding incredible moments for those who saw it.
Artwork 13.75″h x 9.25″w
Archival support paper by Strathmore
Buffered archival paper by Monadnock
Purchase the framed artwork now and get free delivery to most locations in North America.
“Mourning Light” – mourning dove 2/2
Art Size 20″w x 16″h x 2″d
Dove – 100% cotton paper by Strathmore
Support – “Ontario Flax”100% cotton
330gsm paper
by St. Armand, Montreal
Framed in contemporary shadow box frame
with UV filtering glass or acrylic glazing
(SOLD)
“Eager to Know” – raven 3/3 – completed 2024
“Ravens are incredibly curious and intelligent birds. In this example one is thoroughly exploring the materials and design of its surroundings of which it in fact is also a product of.”
– Artwork dimensions 15.5″ x 13″ x 1.5″
– Fine art 100% cotton paper by Strathmore for the feathers and surround
– Hand marbled paper crafted by artisans in India provides a contrasting background
for purchase info contact info@calvinnicholls.com
“Ascension” 1/3
Art Size 30″ x 22″
100% cotton paper by Strathmore
edition of three hand made sculptures
“Tremolo” screech owl 7/7
Recent release #4 in my Backyard Bird Series
Edition of seven hand made framed sculptures
100% cotton paper by Strathmore
Frame size 13″ x 13″ x 1.5″
Contemporary wooden shadow box frame with
UV filtering, reflection reduction ArtGlass
(SOLD OUT)
“Paper Perch” nuthatch 7/7
The third design in my Backyard Bird Series
Edition of seven hand made low relief sculptures
100% cotton paper by Strathmore
Frame size 13″ x 13″ x 1.5″
Shadow box frame with premium
reflection reduction ArtGlass
#3/7, #7/7 available
PURCHASE NOW
“Brightening the Twilight” – cardinal
#1 in my new Backyard Bird Series
Edition of seven hand made sculptures
for wall display
100% cotton and buffered archival
papers
Frame size 13″ x 13″ x 1.5″
Contemporary shadow box frame with
UV filtering
and anti-reflecting ArtGlass92
(SOLD OUT)
“Staccato” downy woodpecker
#2 in Backyard Bird Series
Edition of seven hand made sculptures
for wall display
100% cotton and mulberry fibre papers
Frame size 13:” x 13″ x 1.5″
Contemporary shadow box frame with
UV filtering,
anti reflecting ArtGlass92
(SOLD OUT)
"Run!"
“Run! screamed Grandmother…..another arrow cut the leaf over head. Zzzzoooootttt!” pg. 1
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
My daughter’s experiences as a dancer were essential as she struck a variety of poses displaying urgency and panic. I watched for a silhouette shape that would fit the frame mindful of how the dramatic mood in these opening pages required something really dynamic. -cn
"Drop it!"
“…the dog had already scooted around the corner of a nearby lodge and was gone.” pg.8
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
This scene has played out dozens of times with pups and dogs in our house over the years. Although with playful intent, the act was infuriating when the prize was chewed and endearing when returned for a treat and a little ear rub. Preserving the flow in fur is always tricky but easier if wet or coarse which suited the guilty party in this chapter who needed to look unkempt and scruffy. -cn
"Old Man Winter"
“Outside the north wind howled and moaned
like a hungry beast.” pg16
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
Memories of how the wind howling in the trees during a storm in the night intimidated me as a boy on family camping trips, were in my mind with this one. I recalled huddling deeper into my sleeping bag with a flashlight and comic book to seeking distraction. -cn
"Young Archer"
“You have his skill…You will be a great hunter…” pg.19
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
My daughter’s enthusiasm was as obvious as my wife’s skepticism about modelling for this particular layout. Filled with the joy after earning the praise of his mentor, the young boy in the story also feels his confidence surge. A transformative moment for both characters. -cn
"Storytelling Stone"
“It was the stone! The voice came from the stone!” pg.25
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
My oldest son got in on the act and we explored that feeling of vulnerability while alone in the woods as a boy convinced that there were eyes, staring and analyzing his every move. But then to suddenly hear a voice! We agreed the ensuing dead run was inevitable. -cn
"Buffalo"
“It was like a new world to him, that sea of tall grasses… He had been living with the buffaloes” pg.43
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
Certainly one of my favourites in the series, the buffalo sculpture proved challenging and rewarding as I worked to depict the wooly coat and swirling grass. It also reminds me of a light hearted conversation with elders at Curve Lake. “The English say Bison but that is what you wash your hands in!” -cn
"Giant Bear"
“The boy’s unyielding spirit had triumphed over
its own.” pg.61
– 22”h x 18”w x2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
Placing a portion of the subject beyond the mat opening is a favourite trick in enhancing the illusion of depth in my low relief sculptures which at this size is 11/2” deep. “Giant Bear” was a slow one to develop and complete as both the need to direct the viewer’s eye and to preserve the flow in the fur proved challenging. -cn
"Loon"
“There swam a loon in a pool of water…
Raise your wing!…
There were eight tiny hearts.” pg.79
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
The thought of combining my experiments with paper with my life-long fascination of birds ignited my desire many years ago to pursue wildlife themes more often in my work. That sentiment has grown stronger every year and it was exciting to have such a piece showcased in this terrific book. -cn
"Chief Eagle"
“Eagle watched the smoke rising from his pipe to mingle with the smoke billowing from the fire…” pg.108
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
My goal with this sculpture was to use repeating shapes in the necklace, jaw and hairline for interest and to prompt redirection back to the chief’s face via the pipe stem, index finger, and shadows of the smoke. Complex curves, concave and convex form and shifting planes were challenging in this early attempt at portraiture. -cn
"Mink"
“Poor Mink. He peered out and – aieeeeee! – saw
the world swinging below him! He was terrified.”
pg 114
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
I enjoyed the contrast of the weathered splinters in the log and the fine strands of fur that this moment in the story offered. Tilting the horizon was a subtle nudge for viewers to imagine the poor mink’s high altitude predicament. -cn
"Gaqka"
“Each downy feather of the ruff around its black
beak was as clear to him as if he stood just beside it.
He could see too every scale on its dark, slender leg.” pg. 128
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
Arthur Levine’s team was wonderful to work with as they allowed me total freedom to explore ideas. My technique is laborious with many phases but their patience promoted a creative atmosphere throughout the entire multi-month process. -cn
"Two Feathers"
“Two Feathers put on the panther shirt. His arms felt strong, and his heart was without fear.” pg.151
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
Rural life as a boy offered me countless opportunities to explore and experiment with traditional practices and outdoor skills. To my father’s dismay one summer, I tanned groundhog skins and transformed them into a vest and high cut mukluks. Wearing them on snow-shoeing outings was front of mind as I contemplated this layout. -cn
"Moccasins"
“From a bark box, Grandmother lifted a pair of moccasins embroidered with porcupine quills….’ With these on, Grandmother,’ he said, ‘Even in winter I walk on flowers.’” pg 177
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
Fine detail techniques have always gripped my imagination. The delicate porcupine quill patterns before me in the display cases at Curve Lake were indeed striking. The use of nature’s own materials in honouring the natural world inspired this sculpture which we decided was vital to the series. -cn
"Chipmunk’s Stripes"
“Chipmunk’s stripes show Bear’s power.
Yet they show too that little Chipmunk had the power to outsmart the mighty bear.” pg 184
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
Hand-held turtle shell rattles stood out in my memory of pow-wows I had seen in my youth. That image appeared in my sketches as I explored dance positions. I felt that Chippy should be similarly gripping his tail to be convincing as he danced to thwart the threats of the great bear. -cn
"Namesake"
“On top of Grandfather Stone was a small black rock shaped like a crow! Yes. There was the beak, the wing, the balancing tail. It was his namesake, Crow the Talker, the teller of Gaa! Gaa! Of stories!” pg190
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– ($3950usd/$5500cad)
On a family holiday to coastal British Columbia we discussed the concept and merits of memory stones. Even a small pebble or tiny driftwood splinter can rekindle fond memories and strength simply with a touch. Mine is always within reach as I work. -cn
"Sky Woman"
“Oh Sky Woman fell and fell… They saw Sky Woman and they lifted their wings and rose to meet her saying ’We will cushion her fall!’…Then a huge turtle rose from beneath the surging waves and they gently set Sky woman down on Turtle’s back.” pg 30
– 22”h x 18”w x 2”d
– archival papers
– conservation framing
– (SOLD)
So often an image in a series evolves naturally into the lead role. I agreed immediately with the choice of the design team and eagerly anticipated the treatment of “Sky Woman” on the main dust jacket and lead page. What a thrill to receive my copies.
Coincidentally, years later on a break from writing these thoughts, I congratulated author Rafe Martin and his wife on their anniversary. So many doors have opened in my art career. Each one revealing something memorable. Often a new and lasting friendship. -cn
Have an idea in mind?
Contact me today and let’s get started on custom designing a sculpture for your home.