I’ve wanted to create a t-shirt with one or two of these feathers and I think I have the feather I’d like to use. That happy puppy is Cake. She’s one of my hosts in Sayulita Mexico for the past week and a half. I’ll definitely miss her and all the other critters when I leave in a few days.
I am currently in Sayulita, Mexico on the Pacific Ocean. I hiked to a local surf spot with the boys yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by more than just a beautiful sandy beach and clean sets. So many pelicans and seagulls in the ocean fishing for their dinner. A set of waves would roll towards shore, the pelicans would swoop in and the seagulls would follow quickly behind to steal their catch (swarming any surfers paddling out or riding in).
As soon as my feet hit the sand I spotted a huge dark feather I assume is from one of the pelicans I was watching hunt in front of me. I set up a little sunbathing station and took a little hike down the beach. I had to end it a little early because my hands were full of feathers. I think a few of these are seagull feathers but they’re equally amazing because the seagulls here are so much darker than those on the Oregon Coast.
I can’t wait to get these on paper. I’m a little worried about getting them back home to the US, I’ll at least put a couple on my hat to make them look like they’re supposed to be there.
My pa found an owl in the lower level of their property recently. He collected a few of the parts for me including both wings (one in good health and one a little mangled) along with a handful of feathers and the feet. He described the owl with a thin body like a hawk but with an owl head.
Kari Rowe’s mom Kit helped me identify the type of owl as a barn owl. I’m excited to use these new little blessings in new pieces. I’m not sure I’ll use the feet but they are really amazing. I heard a rumor that the bacteria on the talons could be a little dangerous though. I’ll keep clear of those.
April’s Last Thursday event on Alberta is fast approaching so I got to work on some new pieces.
Most of these are from the collection of crow feathers I found on the beach a few weeks ago.
Today, a friend’s mom is in town from Taos and I’ve heard she has an amazing collection of found bird wings and feathers. She taught me how to treat feathers with cedar oil to preserve them in cloth, how to stretch and mount a full wing, and also how to honor all the bird parts by displaying and sage-ing.
(photo) Heather Houser at Special with my most recent work.
Thursday February 26th through Sunday the 1st.
Join us for a special party, and celebrate our stores grand opening. Drinks, snacks, and 10% off all jewelry. Check out Drawings by Kirsten Blair, and 4 paintings by Me.
Special
Live, Love, Remember
1805 NE Alberta St.
Portland OR 97211
503.281.4303
Or finally branding. Whatever.
That’s all. Just that I got a new logo… I’m excited.
I’ve been working really hard and having so much fun making new pieces. Super excited about these.
The best part is how many people contributed. Dave Seoane, Tom Osborne, Liz Martindale, along with my dad and brother all hooked me up with the wood. My mom was a trooper and went hunting on the beach in Oceanside and brought back like 50 new feathers. All weathered and awesome. So excited to dig into those!
These are all for sale now, email me if you’d like one. Thanks. I hope you like them!
You can see them all on flickr.com/photos/-kb.
A little sneak preview. I’m holding onto these pieces to possibly do a show… Not sure where or when, but I’ll need plenty more and plenty larger pieces to make a real collection.
I’d love to hear what you think! Larger images after the jump.
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