I first discovered the work of David M. Bird through my child’s iPad. My children inspire me every single day, and I am grateful for the ways they open new doors of creativity in my life. Through Bird’s art, I find fresh inspiration not only for myself but also for my teaching—reminders of how vital it is to nurture curiosity and imagination. His work also highlights the importance of hobbies, of creating for the sheer joy of it. Each of us carries a special talent within, and when we take the time to observe, enjoy, record, and share it, we connect with the world in meaningful ways. In that process, we also build our own unique universe. Isn’t that what art truly is?

​David M. Bird is an artist who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Once a LEGO designer, he now works with nature’s own materials—acorns, twigs, and leaves—to create whimsical characters called Becorns. These tiny figures come to life in his photographs, interacting with birds, squirrels, and other wildlife in magical, storybook-like scenes. Bird’s journey from toy design to nature art is not just about creativity, but also about seeing wonder in the simplest of things.

​David M. Bird's signature "Becorns" photographs capture moments when "Becorns," tiny creatures crafted from foraged materials, interact with real wildlife. Each work evokes a warm, fairytale-like sensibility and meticulous observation.

​Who is David M. Bird?

David M. Bird—commonly known as Dave—is an artist and former LEGO toy designer based in Rhode Island, USA. Combining his artistic sensibility with a playground-like imagination, he creates characters called "Becorns" out of natural objects (acorns, branches, etc.) and photographs them alongside wild animals.

​The Birth Story of Becorns

His creative journey began while working at LEGO headquarters, designing Bionicle characters. It was there that he learned how to visually express character composition and storytelling.

One day, while returning to the United States with his family, he was sweeping his mother's driveway when he noticed acorns and twigs. He thought, "I don't have to use LEGO; I can create characters using nature,"—and that's how Becorns began.

He initially created insect-like characters called "Stickbugs," which gradually evolved into "Becorns" as his forms became more elaborate.

​Becorns Commercialization
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- Becorns, a personal hobby for over a decade, expanded into online print sales in 2019.

- In 2022, a Becorn-related video went viral on Instagram, leading to a sudden surge in orders.
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This prompted him to quit his freelance toy design job, set up an office, hire staff, and grow the brand into a full-fledged brand.

​Characteristics and Experience of Becorns

Production Process: Becorns are created using natural materials like acorns and branches, then lured into wildlife using birdseed and other materials, and then photographed remotely. This process requires observation, patience, and a bit of strategy.

Synesthetic Storytelling: Each Becorn has facial expressions and poses that seem to feel and think, giving the impression of a living, breathing little creature.

Customer Experience: Becorns prints are available on a variety of materials, including paper, metal, and canvas, and come in standard sizes for easy custom framing.

Expansion Potential: Bronze sculptures are currently in development, and storybooks and coffee table books are also planned for the future.

​David M. Bird is more than just a writer; he's a creator who weaves stories using nature as a material.
Drawing on his experience designing LEGO, his Becorns, which transform even a single acorn into a sparkling character, convey the small miracles of nature and a warm smile to the viewer.

Recently, I received a message from a fellow artist, Wei Yang, who asked if I still had any photos from our shared exhibition back in 2012. She is currently in the process of reorganizing her portfolio and reflecting on her artistic path. Looking through those old photos brought back vivid memories of the bright studio space, the soft sunlight filtering through the windows, and most of all—her powerful sculpture that left such a lasting impression.

The piece Wei exhibited during that time was a seated figure, deeply contemplative, full of emotion and presence. Even then, her work carried a quiet weight—an honesty and rawness that revealed her keen eye for the complexity of human character. The posture, the expression, the intimate scale—all of it spoke to a deep observation of life and the internal world we often keep hidden.

Now, over a decade later, I see her work with even greater admiration. Her early piece already held the seeds of something profound: a thoughtful exploration of identity, vulnerability, and human strength. It’s moving to witness an artist return to their roots—not with nostalgia alone, but with intention and courage to reshape their narrative.

To Wei: I hope these images help you reconnect with your past and fuel your next steps. Your thoughtful sculptural voice, full of sensitivity and inner searching, deserves to be seen and heard widely. I sincerely wish you continued growth and recognition as you walk this creative path.
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Some journeys take time, detours, or pauses—but the depth you carry has always been there.

Today, we gathered at the Night Heron watercolor artists' group to remember and honor a very special person—artist Mary Jo. She was always kind, warm, and never without a gentle smile. I especially remember how she took care of new members, making sure they felt welcomed and at ease, often striking up conversation and offering thoughtful encouragement.
One personal memory I hold dear is the time I was painting a candle. She came by, looked at it, and gave it a beautiful title. It was a small moment, but one that revealed her deep sensitivity and love for art. That’s the kind of artist she was—graceful, intuitive, and generous with her spirit.
Though it saddens me that we can no longer see her or her artwork, I like to believe she now rests peacefully within the world of art she cherished so deeply. The colors she loved, the nature she painted, and the joy she brought into her work—those things remain.
Today’s gathering was a quiet and heartfelt tribute. Coming from a Korean background, where funerals are often filled with weeping and sorrow, I found the Western way of remembrance very different—more calm and reflective. We shared a breakfast, exchanged memories, and took a group photo in her honor. It was simple, but deeply meaningful.
Mary Jo showed us the dignity and passion of being an artist. Her legacy will live on in every brushstroke and every memory she left behind. May she rest in peace, forever surrounded by the colors and beauty she loved so much.

​Henri Matisse was a French painter. He is one of the important artists active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is also the founder of Fauvism, which dominated the 20th century.

His work provides a visual experience through the combination of color and form, and he is one of the key figures who led the hyper-realism movement through the post-impressionism and surrealism movements.

Matisse persuaded his father, who wanted to become a lawyer, to give him permission to study art in Paris for just one year. Matisse immediately visited Professor William-Adolph Bouguereau, the most famous professor at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Paris.

Because Matisse started painting late, he was an inferior student who could not even use the basic techniques that other art students had already mastered. The technique that could be recognized by Booger Hou was at the master level. Bugerhou even told Matisse, “You will never be able to do it.” Matisse was devastated. Because what Booger Hou said was right.

Matisse sought a new path in his despair. He went to the Louvre Museum, looked closely at the paintings of the masters, and even drew accordingly. He also explored his own style by going outside and looking honestly at the scenery around him. Above all, the feast of nature, which seemed to be dyed with abundant sunlight, stimulated Matisse's sense of vision. He perfected his own color and style through concern, exploration, and passion. Unlike the achromatic paintings of his existing art world, he chose primary colors as his base painting style.
Later in his life, Matisse became a leading painter of a new painting grammar, and, recalling his youth, Matisse said, “Freedom is choosing the path that one’s talent leads.” Matisse's creation began with his recognition of his own limitations, standing shabby in front of the castle of success achieved by others. At the same time, he turned this despair into his success by finding an area that he wanted to do and was good at and focusing on it.
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​Matisse gave me great courage when I felt limited by seeing the paintings of geniuses. Looking at his paintings, you once again realize that there are no limits to expressing yourself through painting. You also learn that finding and perfecting your own style is entirely your own battle.

Image reference:
https://www.tuttartpitturasculturapoesiamusica.com/2016/10/Chien-Chung-Wei.html

​Chien Chung-Wei is a Taiwanese watercolor painter who creates paintings with a romantic, understated, and classical feel. Among his landscape paintings, I especially like the ones depicting cities. His paintings seem to resemble oil paintings, but they express well the softly spreading glare that only watercolors can express. I think this is the charm of his paintings.