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Most Recent Small Birds

12x12, collage on wood panel, unframed, available at COMMA Gallery in Orlando

Recently I had been struggling with inspiration when COMMA Gallery contacted me and said that they had sold two of my small bird series, and had collectors interested in Cardinals. Two different collectors said they would buy birds if they were Cardinals. So, I got busy. After all, I am from New England and Cardinals are something we used to get very excited about, especially in the winter when many of the other birds had flown south. I funneled my enthusiasm for colorful birds and cold weather right into my work and came up with four new pieces in my small bird series.

Now I have a plan for my next piece. My friend Anndella Bond from Australia had provided me with material as inspiration for and incorporation with my collage work, her "Mum" even sent over a packet of potential materials from Australia. I have been wondering what type of Aussie specific imagery I could work on with my magazines and newspapers sent half way around the world, in addition to my existing huge collection of Australian stamps from Kaite Matilda. 

I am working on a piece that will be made up of four small birds, 12x12 with a twist. I intend to connect them and put them all in one frame. I also intend to make all four birds Australian birds, AND I plan to leave some of the collage process showing through. What does this mean? Some sketch, some under-painting and some areas of un-finished collage. I want to process to be come clear to the viewer when they spend some time with the birds!