Henry Matisse said, “An artist must possess nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.”

Painting this Nature series of small works allowed me to closely examine the intricacies nature creates. Replicating a structure as complicated and beautiful as a bird’s nest required lots of looking and patience. The process allowed me to imagine what it would be like to build these temporary homes. It was a humbling experience.

My daughter and I found the nest portrayed in For Sale or Rent I, II & III during a morning walk in our neighborhood. It appears to be a two-story dwelling built by different birds. The larger nest was left behind and a new family came along and used it as a foundation for a smaller, tighter nest.

“Bird nests are symbols of home; they represent the love, commitment, and effort it takes to build a happy home. Bird nests are also good-luck symbols. Legend has it that prosperity will come to any home that finds a bird’s nest nestled among the branches of the family Christmas tree.” – Inge-Glas

          This legend is one that has been traced back to Iceland, Sweden, and Germany. The many varied versions of the legend include in that prosperity: health, happiness, friendship, and good luck. Nests are a home for new life.

In 2024, I was inspired to create a series of monarch butterflies after I read Barbara Kingsolver’s novel, Flight Behavior. This 2012 book addresses global warming and the failings of public education through the story of a Tennessee woman whose thus-far disappointing life changes when 15 million monarch butterflies alight in the woods near her home. The butterflies are an important main character in this very troublesome story. Here we are 12 years later and the monarchs are getting close to the endangered list. Let’s pay attention to what is happening to nature.
Information from website: http://www.monarchjointventure.org