Rise

Rise is a bird painting depicting a crow taking flight as the sun rises from behind the leaves in the forest. Birds have always played an important part in the symbolism, myths, and folktales of many cultures. "Rising above the earth and soaring through the skies, birds have been symbols of power and freedom throughout the ages. In many myths and legends, birds link the human world to the divine or supernatural realms that lie beyond ordinary experience." (from Birds in Mythology)  For obvious reasons, birds were long believed to carry messages or prayers to the spirit world.

This piece holds a lot of meaning for me personally. For spiritual sustenance I often go to my sixty acres of beautiful forest out in the country. Early in the morning, I sit quietly beside the creek with my camera, watching for birds and other wildlife. If I'm lucky, I may see blue herons rising into the sky, or witness the mad speed of a kingfisher as it dives into the water. This experience, both thrilling and comforting, is what inspired me to make this bird painting.

First, I printed several monoprint (monotype) layers, some with plant material, onto Rives BFK heavyweight printmaking paper. After it dried, I used acrylic ink and other media to draw/paint the bird. It also allows me to emphasize or de-emphasize various parts of the monotype background. This is a way of further refining the composition, to give it the structure and flow I wanted. I hope it conveys something of the feeling I get as I watch a bird take to the sky. To me, that feeling is magical and uplifting, and fills me with peace.