Wilmington artist creates unique birdhouses

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — What started as an idea for a Valentine’s Day gift quickly turned into something much, much more.

One Wilmington man found his niche as a birdhouse designer but they are not just your typical birdhouses. Richard Hankins, a retired production designer, is now working on much smaller sets.

Since February he has designed and built nine birdhouses in various shapes and sizes, all inspired by recycled items.

“Usually it’s by an object. The rural gas station was because I found an oil can and a little gas filter. And you put it together and it looks like an old pump,” Hankins said. “The seafood dock because I found a mermaid in a junk shop and I thought that’d be good on a seafood sign. And that evolved to that.”

Aside from items, Hankins was also inspired by films, postcards, and the New York water tower. It is an art form that continues to impress his wife Mia.

“It amazes me how fast he creates them. You would think it would take at least a month,” Mia said.

But for Hankins, it only takes a week or so.

“It’s wonderful. And the collection keeps expanding. And I do make a joke about how I hope that he does sell them. Otherwise we’ll end up with about 45 I think in the backyard,” Mia said.

Hankins has one piece of advice for those who also like to build birdhouses.

“Just keep at it. It’s just a fun thing to do. There’s no rules in it. So the birds can get in and you can clean the nest out. And that’s all you have to worry about,” Hankins said.

If you would like to see any of these birdhouses or buy them, Hankins plans to have a show this summer where you can purchase various birdhouses.

Hankins can be contacted at this email, rchankins@mac.com.