In May 2022 I started posting profiles of artists, crafters and writers who depicted poultry in their work. Some of those folks were inspired by the imagery of birds, while others had a flock of their own and wanted to share their love of chickens.
I’m neither artistic or particularly crafty, but I can appreciate those who make things with their hands from ideas in their heads.
My 39th post in the series ‘When Art Meets Chickens’ features a fellow Canadian who has captured the spirit of chickens in a difficult medium.
My name is Laura Ouimet and I am a wire artist from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I specialize in making chicken wire sculptures and garden art. A couple years ago I was referred to as “The Chicken Wire Whisperer ” and I actually burst out laughing the first time I heard that! Realizing that my art was being received in such a positive light gave me reason to step back and Iook at it with a new perspective and fresh eyes.
As a result of that introspection, my art has morphed and changed and I have grown so much as an artist in a very short period of time. Being such a utilitarian material, I have also been told my art is weird, over-rated and over priced and that’s ok too. Those are not my people. However I do seize those moments to present the world of possibility behind creating with wire. I like to believe those snippets of conversations at least make the negative nellies pause and think about what might define “good art.”
What’s your history with creating art?
I have been creative my entire life. My mom often tells the story that from the time I was a small child on the farm I could be found making things from every day objects like sticks and yarn and random buttons. I remember building little dioramas with natural materials and giving little plastic farm animals big personalities in my pretend world.
Art was a big part of our lives when raising my children. We always had art projects on the go and would always volunteer help with making set props or decorating the gym for concerts. Later as an educator, teaching and exploring the art curriculum with young minds was my absolute joy!
How has your practice changed over time?
I started creating with wire 11 years ago. I started with trees, suncatchers and random decor items. I still make these art pieces and do well within my business but the last five years has seen chicken wire sculptures become the cornerstone of my art practice.
What work is most fulfilling?
Hands down, the most fulfilling aspect of my art practice is teaching others the endless possibilities when creating with wire. It makes me so happy to be invited into local schools as a guest artist to explore this cool medium with young minds. For many kids, that will likely be the only exposure they will ever have creating with wire.
I also teach workshops in my home studio, community leagues, local business’ and private events. My grandchildren are curious about what I do and we enjoy making small sculptures together. My hope is that perhaps one of them will want to carry my art form forward.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The global health crisis of 2020-21 provided me the opportunity to learn how to better manhandle this very challenging material. One of my first projects was a chicken wire hen. When the public restrictions lifted we began to travel again and I took her with us whenever possible. She made people laugh, open up, talk and tell stories which was her exact purpose. I created an Instagram page for her and post photos of her with the weird and wonderful things we see on our journeys. She has a compact sister that fits in my suitcase for those destinations that require us to fly.
Most people are curious when they discover my art and my chicken wire hens always draw a laugh! I often refer to them as my “Cover Girls” as they were featured on the cover of the Alberta Reynolds Museum catalogue for their 2024 metal art show. Interestingly, my sculptures have garnered awards with the Federation of Canadian Artists, Alberta Sculptors Association and Society of Canadian Artists which is an honour and actually pretty mind blowing! Talk about giving chicken wire street cred and exposure to the masses. Some prominent Alberta politicians have purchased my pieces as have several municipalities and Botanic Gardens for their public art collections. 2025 saw six full size gardeners installed in the Ball Gardens in Chicago IL. (I’m still pinching myself over that one)
What motivates you to create?
I have insomnia so my days are long and my mind rarely still. Everything is fair game and I love a challenge. I am often commissioned to make specific subjects. I love those ‘ah ha’ moments when I have figured out how to make something I haven’t been able to picture.
I have a very long list of ‘want to make’ projects along with those ‘have to get made’ projects so am always excited for time in my studio…
First experience with chickens?
Growing up on the farm we always had chickens. It was one of my jobs and a big responsibility as a little to gather eggs, carefully layer them in the washer baskets for cleaning and throw grit and feed to them.
Do you have chickens?
No, but I would love to! Being in the city with a smallish yard really isn’t conducive to having a coop even though it is allowed. I do have family members that have an acreage and thus a wonderful variety of goats and hens that we get to enjoy. My grandchildren are enthralled with them. So for me, it’s just chicken wire chickens. Oh, and I made a rooster not too long ago which was inspired by one of their handsome fellas.
Funny thing, I just realized I’ve always had chicken themed things. I actually have a lovely collection of chicken pottery that started with a teeny tiny clay figure my grandmother gave me more than 40 years ago. My collection grew from there.
How do chickens inspire your work?
Every chicken has a personality and temperament. I like to think this is true of every sculpture I make as well. No two are alike and I couldn’t make them so no matter how hard I try. Chicken people are very attracted to my sculptures because they appreciate what a miserable material it is to manhandle and the fun fact that they are chickens made with chickenwire. As long as folks enjoy them, I’ll keep making them!
Thanks to Laura Ouimet for sharing her art and story, used with permission. Check out her Facebook page and website
“When Art Meets Chickens: Exploring creativity inspired by the humble chicken”
Bitchin' Chickens 
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