Back in September 2014, I attended Indie Craft Parade here in Greenville. While shopping, a friend snapped a photo of me holding my latest purchase. Lo and behold, I noticed the most amazing bird houses behind me in the photo!
Check out the photobomber behind me!
Having grown up outside of Chicago with both my parents and grandparents hailing from Oak Park, I am all too familiar with mid-century modern architecture and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. In fact, my grandparents volunteered at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, giving tours and the like. So, for sentimental reasons, I was particularly drawn to Matt Estrada’s amazing creations and his company, chürp- Modern Birdhomes.
Clearly I need one of these pieces for my backyard- I’m always looking to expand my wildlife habitat options! And I also wanted to know more about chürp …so without further delay…
***
If you were on Twitter and had to describe chürp in 140 characters, what would you say?
Modern and Mid-Century designs in a functional birdhome using western red cedar, reclaimed barnwood and upcycled wood.
What was the catalyst behind creating chürp? Is this something you’ve always envisioned yourself doing?
I gained basic woodworking skills in shop class and have used them my entire adult life. It really started about 8 years ago with a basic one-plank birdhouse plan from the internet. I made several as gifts with some assistance from my young sons. It was just a basic functional design with rustic elements and since then, has really evolved from that basic design. About three years ago, I started thinking about melding my interest in homes from the 50s & 60s with that core design and the idea for chürp was born.
I love the idea of combining mid-century modern architecture with bird houses. Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs? Or are you just a huge fan of that style in general?
Inspiration comes from a myriad of sources- Mid-century homes and commercial buildings, the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright and Alden B. Dow, and modern architecture as well. I love simplicity in design as well as throwing a bit of creative energy into the mix to create my own style. I believe that’s what sets my designs apart from a traditional craft.
What about the materials you use? New or salvaged? Locally sourced?
I source my western red cedar from a local supplier. That wood comes from the Pacific Northwest. All of my reclaimed wood comes from a friend that has a reclaimed barnwood business. He has a crew that dismantles century old barns here in the Mid-South that are no longer functional. I hand pick each board myself from their reclaimed scraps, so I guess I’m upcycling reclaimed wood! I love working with the old barnwood because of the characteristics of the wood and the history behind it.
Ok, let’s see some of your stunning creations- Show and Tell Time!
A co-op of gorgeous homes.
Perhaps for your mountain birds?
Or for your coastal birds?
Think you can pick just one?
Don’t make me pick a favorite!!
Simply gorgeous…
For those of us that need a chürp fix, how and where can we make a purchase?
I’m in my first year of doing chürp full time so I’m slowly reaching out to locations that would like to showcase my designs in their stores. Currently, chürp is in stores in Indiana and California and I can be found where it all started, on my Etsy page. There’s also a link if you’d like to start a conversation about custom pieces.
I’m also traveling and participating in art festivals across the Eastern US. I have several shows currently scheduled for February and March in Florida (St. Stephens Art Show, South Miami Rotary Art Festival), and two in Atlanta in April, including the incredible Dogwood Festival and the Inman Park Festival. I will also be at the Spring Tennessee Craft Fair in May. You can follow me on Facebook to keep up with my show schedule and Instagram/Twitter for the latest designs.
What else should we know about chürp?
I absolutely love being an independent artist and having a loyal following of my designs. Ever since I left my day job of 30 years back in May 2014, the creative energy and focus has just exploded. I recently started doing custom wall pieces in addition to the birdhomes and feeders so people may enjoy my work indoors.
I’m looking forward to the ever-evolving designs of chürp and traveling to new markets to see all the smiles and new fans of chürp modern that come into my booth. Also in the works are several retail outlets and one catalog to carry my birdhomes. It’s hard to imagine that just a few short years ago, what started as gifts for family members has turned into a full time career that doesn’t even seem like “work” anymore, but rather a passion for creativity.
***
Aren’t they amazing? Truly a piece of art for your yard! I just love the uniqueness of each one. Now comes the hard part: Which one do I love the most?
Until next time…
Shine on!
S