Joyce was a true talent; a creator of artistic and functional "things". I had a number of her carved gourds. They are all sold. This walking stick - all 55" of it, is probably the last piece of hers that I will have the pleasure of holding and admiring. In putting this up, I went looking to see if any more of her art might be available. Instead, I found her obituary ... in March of 2022. Rest knowing all the beauty you brought to this otherwise staid world. Thank you
Like so many beautiful things, pictures do not show the depth and creativity. Yes, it's just a very nice stick. I'm not even sure what wood, but knowing Joyce even a little I know the wood, too, is special. On inspection I believe it to be bamboo like ... most likely from Hawaii where she lived intermittently.
The big bird on the top is a Sandhill Crane. They migrate each winter from northern tier states to Texas and even into Mexico. They are large of wingspread and beak. And they are considered a game bird; the succulent breast meat colloquially get's them the name of "Ribeye in the sky".
It is a piece I have admired here for more years than I know, but in putting it up for sale i have discovered several things I did not know:
it was painted in 2018 and signed.
the "wood" taps like it is hollow, like a bamboo or large grass
It's lettered with her name
the leather wrap is woven in place; not just wrapped
The card of Joyce's attached to this piece shows an image of the big birds flying out of what looks like a painting (most likely of Joyce's if I were to guess).
And the scripture from Matthew she letters on the staff adds the crowning touch of humanity to this. amazing (and you know I do not use that word often) work of Joyce's.
