The Owls Part 1: Tales of the Heart

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing; Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before…Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore.” Edgar Allan Poe “The Raven”.

In the hills above Los Angeles, at Debs Park, a great horned owl claimed her territory — the crows made it a hard won battle. I first encountered the family when the owlets had just arrived. By the time I understood what I was witnessing, they were nearly ready to go.

OWL — Tales of the Heart is an attempt to hold that moment still. Cut paper, frame by frame — because some things can only be honored slowly. The crows circle. The family holds. And then, as it always does, the moment passes.

This work was selected for Brand 54, the juried works on paper exhibition at the Brand Library & Art Center, Glendale, CA.

Building the crows — layered cut paper, brass brads, and thread allow each wing and body segment to move independently. I use Sakura Poster Color on the birds and trees--- handmade paper for the backgrounds.

Building the crows — layered cut paper, brass brads, and thread allow each wing and body segment to move independently. I use Sakura Poster Color on the birds and trees--- handmade paper for the backgrounds.

Tree branch elements in progress — cut paper strips in indigo and lavender against a painted ground.

Tree branch elements in progress — cut paper strips in indigo and lavender against a painted ground.

The crow flock — articulated cut paper puppets with painted and stamped backgrounds, ready for the set.

The crow flock — articulated cut paper puppets with painted and stamped backgrounds, ready for the set.

The owl puppet — hand-drawn and painted, jointed with brass brads for frame-by-frame articulation.

The owl puppet — hand-drawn and painted, jointed with brass brads for frame-by-frame articulation.