Shipbuilder to Dream Builder

Former shipbuilder Brad Story is inspired by the birds of the salt marshes near his studio and home in Essex, Massachusetts. His Aerodreams wood sculptures, many of which are designed to be hung, have a wingspan of 4 to 7 feet. “Most pieces are figurative, representational, and/or realistic — in the sense that they resemble parts of real birds, insects, or airplanes — but some seem to be starting to float toward abstraction,” Brad says. In other words, each is an opportunity to let your imagination run wild. Want to see more? Five of Brad’s sculptures are on display at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts (decordova.org). Brad is one of 20 artists currently showcased in an exhibition about how artists incorporate animal imagery in their works. Going Ape: Confronting Animals in Contemporary Art runs through January 7. Brad’s sculptures begin at $1,000. bradstory.com