Migration (into the sun)

Recently, my good friend Pascal was here to visit form Bern where he works out of his studio, Grafilu, as an illustrator. We often discuss and critique one another’s work. The conversations also naturally flow into design (we are both graphic designers), aesthetics, and the nature of our respective work. I gain a lot of insight through these exchanges.

As I discussed with Pascal, this was a thought in the back of my mind for several years. How can I capture these birds long enough to paint them? Photos, of course! But the timing is crucial. One never knows when they come, and when they collectively decide it’s time to go. So when they came this time, I grabbed my camera and shot as many as possible. Why did I want to paint them? It’s just one of those nagging thoughts that would not go away. The other reasons are more cerebral, artsy, and design driven. Keep reading :o)

I appreciate the dynamic and cohesive way migrating blackbirds move through space. They are many, and they are one. Fascinating as that alone is to contemplate, in my mind I saw the mass of birds as patterns with negative/positive shapes. They are abstract and yet recognizable. Flat and fluid, simultaneously. And perhaps most intriguing to me, they were going someplace important to them. The hook for me is the romance of their progress – the journey. But in addition to that feeling, the arrangement they present in two dimensions pulls me along to complete these works and present them to you. Tying all these elements together is the craft of painting. Painting is supremely important as I evaluate whether I have succeeded. I have judged. Now I leave it to you to agree or not. Enjoy!