A team from Woody's Ice Cream shop wrangle a large inflatable dinosaur down the street during the Independence Day Parade in Fairfax, Virginia July 4, 2015. Americans marched in star-spangled parades, ran relay races, gathered for fireworks shows and crowned a new world hot dog eating champion as they celebrated Independence Day in traditional style on Saturday. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Many people have seen feathers as decorative items before. Today, ostrich, peacock and bird of paradise feathers can be seen in haute couture and in the costumes of indigenous peoples. They can be colorful and spectacular in their own right, but how much more stunning might they be when used as canvases for artists, eager to demonstrate their talent for the unusual? Alaskan-born and -bred artist Julie Thompson is an astounding exponent of this incredible art form.

Mikel Merino of Spain and Maya Yoshida of Japan react on the pitch following a collision during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games men's semi-final football match between Japan and Spain at Saitama Stadium in Saitama on August 3, 2021. (Photo by Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

An Alitalia plane approaches to land as starlings fly at Fiumicino international airport in Rome October 14, 2013. Italy will have to notify a planned government-led 500-million-euro bailout of near-bankrupt airline Alitalia to EU regulators who will then assess whether the measure complies with EU state aid rules, the European Commission said on Monday. (Photo by Max Rossi /Reuters)

Two Chinese farmers got more than they bargained for when they pulled up the root of a fleece flower – and came face-to-face with the doppelganger of Homer Simpson, on May 17, 2013. The large root appears to have two bulging eyes and a prominent nose – giving it an uncanny resemblance to the famous cartoon character. With two offshoot roots shaped like arms, it even looks like it is pondering or confused – just what you would expect from the real Homer. (Photo by ImagineChina)

Young monks laugh at their own photos taken by a German photojournalist in the main courtyard of the Dzong on October 13, 2011 in Punakha, Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 31 and Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, 21 wed in Bhutan's historic 17th century Punakha Dzong the same venue that hosted the King's historical coronation ceremony in 2008. (Photo by Triston Yeo/Getty Images)

Andrew Profilli of Australia bleeds from the head during his 93kg bout against Priscus Fogagnolo of Australia during CFC 18 at Luna Park on August 26, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

American rapper Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat performs at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 21, 2021. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)