Artist Statement

I love birds. I watch them and want to be a part of their world. I want to insinuate myself into their lives. I haven't always loved birds, or even noticed them. One day about seven years ago I was looking out my kitchen window and noticed a small bird in the tree outside. It wasn't a rare or beautiful bird - probably a house sparrow or starling - but it struck me as fascinating. I wanted to keep watching it, know it. Noticing that bird opened a new world for me. I started to observe other birds and learn about them. This gave me a new perspective from which to see the world, a perspective that isn't centered on humans. When I look at birds I feel content, a sense of equanimity. I make pictures of birds to feel close to them. Creating these images allows me a deeper familiarity with the birds than just looking at them.