Diane Hendricks

I was born in Reseda California. There in my early childhood, I enjoyed the wonders of the pacific coastline and the excitement of the ocean.

From there in my pre-teens, I moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma and I did find out Oklahoma was definitely “o.k.” Low rolling hills covered with grass and wild flowers small stands of trees new animals and new weather were of constant delight.

And later near high school graduation I moved to beautiful and green Pennsylvania. My family and I lived outside of Harrisburg, PA in a house surrounded by woods.

After graduation from central Dauphin East High school I attended Kutztown State College. I majored in the fine arts sculpture program.

When I moved back to southern California I decided to take employment as an artist / welder for “London Productions LTD”. This interior décor company produced wall sculptures in steel, brass, and copper.

Later I returned to Pennsylvania to study silver-smithing with (now husband) Steven Hendricks. I worked as a silver smith making silver and gold jewelry. Having worked in metals for a number of years I decided to pursue a previous interest in working with wood. In order to finance this I took employment with Weis Markets as a produce manager and later I became a rural carrier for the united state postal service. I am currently employed as so.

I started creating my bird abodes because woodlands adjacent to my home outside of Macungie had been cut down for fire wood. Few trees were left for our avian friends to nest or roost in.

Alarmed at the increasing loss of natural habitat I committed myself to constructing my bird abodes using reclaimed materials almost exclusively. Some houses are design to display objects that create a theme. Other houses incorporate items that delight the eye or tickle the heart and mind. I try to make myself laugh and in doing so, I hope others will laugh with me.

My first consideration is for our feathered friends needs. Premier in design is the use of correct interior dimensions, hole diameter and non toxic materials. The bird house must be functional and attract birds. After that the sky is the limit.

My design philosophy centers on giving used objects a second life in hope that I am producing a place for a new life to begin. Meanwhile I wish to treat our human eye with a bit of whimsy and a glimpse at the wonder of birds.