Birds were always a part of Chris Maynard’s childhood. As a young person, he took refuge in the woods around his home in Washington State where, head nestled in moss, he watched the birds up in the tall trees. He began working with feathers at age twelve; today, he carves feathers into intricate art. For Maynard, feathers represent flight, transformation, and a bridge between our present lives and our dreams. Since feathers are universal symbols of these qualities, Maynard’s art speaks to many people’s longings and interests. A conservationist at heart, Maynard’s feathers are always legally obtained. Many of the feathers are naturally shed which means that the birds they came from may still be alive. Maynard’s work is included in collections and publications in North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His book, Feathers, Form & Function, highlights his work and tells stories about what feathers are, what roles they fill for birds, and why people find them alluring.