“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”
Why birds?
I started painting birds 11 years ago during a dark and lonesome time in my life - as crazy as it sounds, they were my companions. They’re curious, they’re cautious, very busy, always on the move and attending to something. Birds have this relatability that not all other animals have, it’s also easy to humanize their traits and quickly they become your “friends.” What started out as “cute” chickadees and finches has evolved into large scale, birds with a more dynamic presence. I like to think this metamorphosis of subject reflects my own evolution.
How do you choose which ones to paint?
For the most part, I paint birds I’ve had the privilege of experiencing in the wild. Thanks to our winter travel routines and time spent in the Southwest recently, my bird exposure has increased dramatically. I also take suggestions from bird enthusiasts, flip through birding books and spend too much time googling images of various species. Birds are so diverse, it’s impossible to run out of inspiration and material!
What’s next for the avian portraiture?
I’m not sure! I’d love to share this latest body of work with people, Covid has other plans though. My goal is to come up with a safe space where these pieces (and others) can be viewed. So check back for updates on that!
As far as who I’m working on currently, I have a horned owl, a ruby throated humming bird and an egret in the works!
See a bird you’d like for your home (or a gift)? Fill out the form below and I can provide you with dimensions and details.
Looking for a bird you don’t see? I do commissions - fill out the form below and we’ll make a plan!