Have you seen the beguiling “Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives” exhibit at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook?

If not, you have until Sunday, June 29, to check out the exhibit, which features intricately crafted, smile-inducing photos of Becorn creatures nestled in nature.

Curious about where the Becorns came from? Here's a quick five-question interview with Becorns artist and creator David M. Bird, a former Lego toy designer who switched careers to work with natural materials:

Where do you live and create your artwork? 
I live in southern Rhode Island. I create most of my work in my backyard, and in the nearby woods.

How did you get the idea to begin creating Becorns? 
One day in 2008 I was sweeping my mom's driveway, wondering if l'd ever find a job that was as fun as building characters out of Legos. I looked down at the pile of acorns and sticks at my feet and the idea suddenly struck: I didn't need Legos – I could build my own world entirely from natural materials. I was completely captivated by the idea and devoted all of my free time to experimenting with every stick or seed that looked cool to me.

Why is your artwork a good fit for our Hidden Oaks Nature Center, which has an oak tree theme?
It's a perfect fit because Becorns are made of acorns. But also, viewing nature through the lens of a tiny little creature, just 3 inches tall, makes ordinary things seem epic, and begs us to view nature with fresh eyes. 

We like to have educational nature components throughout our facilities. What is the educational aspect of what you do? 
What amazes me most about my creative journey is how it's brought me closer to nature. In the beginning I was interested solely in building; I knew little about the plants and animals around me. But through Becorns, l've come to know so much about plants as I've hiked in search of materials, dissected plant parts, and even grown Becorn materials in my garden. I've become so much more aware of the complexities of the animals around me as well. I share these experiences and the more I learn, the more I stand in awe of these neighbors of mine. By creating videos of my process, I try to share that awe and appreciation. 

What do you hope that visitors get out of seeing the Becorns exhibit at Hidden Oaks while it is on display? 
I remember when I was a kid, the world seemed full of magic and possibilities. Becorns is my effort to hold onto that feeling of wonder, no matter how old I get. I hope that visitors can tap into the same feeling I had when I was a kid: that the world is full of magic and possibilities. Failing that, a smile. :)