Calvin Nicholls

Malamuzhakki

Great hornbill, Buceros bicornis

100% Cotton and Mulberry Fibre Papers

24 x 28 inches

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Their imposing silhouette, unique casques, showy behaviour and devotion to each other, especially when the female is ensconced in a tree cavity with her young, provided ample inspiration as I sketched and sculpted this piece.

To enhance the elegance of the white on white effect, I selected a handmade mulberry fibre paper for its sheen and subtle hue in depicting the dramatic markings of the feathers, face and casque.

Perhaps one day I will witness the noisy flight of this wondrous bird described by the Malayali people of South India as “Malamuzhakki” or mountain shaking.