I have this idea.
I know I said that I was looking for an idea. I am ready to make new artwork. I am not convinced of the last posts idea in the least. In fact that idea diminishes by the nanosecond compared with this idea.
You see. I love birds. Everyone who has read this blog, even for the shortest amount of time, should know this. I have wanted to be a bird since I was nine years old and even wrote an essay to the effect. (My best friend wrote that she wanted to be a watermelon seed going through the intestinal tract and got in trouble for it. But that is a whole different story.)
So getting back to it, I have this idea.
There is a list of birds in decline. Just writing those words gives me shivers and makes me want to cry. There are tears in my eyes while I type. See? There is just that much love between me and the birds.
So this is my idea:
I would like to make a piece of art for each bird on the top 20 list.
In a cohesive and uniform size.
With the intention of creating a traveling show to raise awareness of my heart's topic. For the birds.
It frightens me to verbalize this idea. But we only live once and we all live on this planet, weather our wings are are made of dreams or feathers.
Posted by Melly at February 8, 2010 3:44 PMBirds are up there on my list too. In fact, just today I purchased another book on attracting birds to the feeder. My son also did his thesis on songbirds and the affect that a diminishing wetland is having on their population.I think it's a great idea.
Posted by: Holly mcLean at February 10, 2010 3:56 PMThere is a display of Audubon paintings at the Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas, and we attended a presentation last night by a man who portrays John Audubon. He talked about how quickly the passesger pigeon became extinct--one generation. This is due to loss of habitat, as I am sure you are aware.
All this is to say that this is indeed a timely topic and that I look forward to seeing your exhabit. GO fo it!
Fabulous idea sweetie, and Pops loves it also.
Posted by: mom at February 10, 2010 7:01 AMIt's a lovely idea, and the fact that you are so emotional about it means that you NEED to do this. Don't be embarrassed about your strong feelings -- they are what will motivate you and keep you moving forward.
Posted by: Diane Hock at February 10, 2010 12:56 AMF-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. Just perfect. get going! what are you waitin' for!?
Posted by: Jane LaFazio at February 9, 2010 6:50 PMRoots and Wings! Let your idea take root and soar with it. It is a wonderful idea and I can only imagine the end result!
Posted by: Cynthia Strickland at February 9, 2010 5:26 PMWhat a fabulous idea Melly! Some of those birds were my Grandfather's favorites. It will be a wonderful adventure!
Posted by: liz kettle at February 9, 2010 5:23 PMI love your birds so I think your idea of making the bird art is terrific! I am certain it will be fascinating and beautiful. (A theme for a new book???) Can't wait to see what you decide . . .
Posted by: Maeve at February 9, 2010 1:06 PMThat is such an awesome idea Melly! Good for you!!
We are off to Florida on a little birding trip in a couple of weeks! I really cannot wait!
xo
Posted by: Judy at February 9, 2010 10:44 AMGive it WINGS!
Posted by: jojo at February 9, 2010 10:41 AMI'd love to see you do this! I think if more people appreciated the small things, the larger things would fall into place properly--birds=life=planet!!
Posted by: arlee at February 9, 2010 10:13 AMTake heart..you will be doing what you can, a not inconsiderable gesture especially if you find the right groups to support with your efforts.
Have you seen or met any of the Brooklyn Parrots yet? It's heartening when you find a species that adapts to an new (and hostile) environment - even if they do run off the pigeons.
Posted by: deb at February 9, 2010 9:33 AMI love your idea, and I'm sure you will turn your inspiration into beautiful art! I visited the site you linked to, and some of those birds live in my yard... I'm glad I'm able to give them some comforts while they get through the winter.
Hugs!
Judy
this sounds like a wonderful project. go for it!
I thought you might like this article
http://stitchtress.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/hari-kuyo/
Maggie
Melanie - I've followed your blog on Quilting Arts and have now moved over to your new blog. I love birds also and I love your quilts! I'm a fairly new art quilter and your creativity blows me away.
Following your link I was amazed at some of the birds on the list and what a tragedy if we lose any of them. I can't wait to see your new bird quilts.
If you start it chances are you will succeed. If you don't start it, you've already failed.
AND everyone LOVES your birds!
That is a wonderful idea. Your love of birds, your talent as an artist, and the message would make for an impactful exhibit. I was shocked to see that some of the birds that I enjoy in my yard are on the decline. Go for it!
Posted by: Jeannie at February 8, 2010 10:59 PMThis is a WONDERFUL idea. I'm sure it will be beautiful because your heart will be fully in it!
Posted by: Lisa at February 8, 2010 10:33 PMThat is a great idea, hope it really takes off=)
Posted by: Jackie at February 8, 2010 10:15 PMReading this post, I remembered that I wanted to send you the link to an artist's work I discovered on Society 6. http://www.allicoate.com/ I like how she combines fabric and illustration, and she also seems quite partial to birds. Hope you like it!
Posted by: Robyn Oxley at February 8, 2010 8:59 PMGo FOR IT! You will do awesomely as you always do!
Posted by: Kelly at February 8, 2010 7:24 PM