Some more "Word Birds" type pieces.
Ink on paper (Bristol Plate). 11"x 14"in (28 x 36cm).
The concept of these is to fill in striking, somewhat iconic, silhouette figures with extremely small handwritten text that comes to mind as I'm writing. While I have done specific commissions of these in which the bird and the text were chosen by the client, I feel that my own words make for a more personal and obviously subjective experience. And hopefully this comes off as more objectively interesting to the viewer!
While the silhouettes are striking and clear, embedded in the white background and the massive rambling of so many words fit in to a small space is an intense experience, the pieces
feel rather gentle. From a distance they appear a light grey. Close up, they invite the viewer to read. With so many words packed in, my intention is for them to actually be somewhat difficult and tedious to read. Not because the handwriting is sloppy, which it isn't, but because I'd like the pieces to be read not as a complete story but rather for the viewer to find something new to read at each viewing.
While the words aren't random and do "make sense" if read in a continuous line, reading different parts of the piece at different times makes for a bunch of non-sequeters and keeps the piece interesting, somewhat surreal and fun for a long time!
