I chose to focus on the crows saving their small world.

This spring we have had the opportunity to observe our murder of crows at work building a nest. It is too far away to see without binoculars, so we watch the skies from our deck as the crows fly in and out of the tree. The nest is in an opening in the tree so the sky is visible, creating a portal where crow silhouettes can be seen; I have taken some artistic license here and created the world I imagine is happening within the nest.

We have watched while the crows defend the nest from hawks and feel concerned when these raids get too close to the nest. Our concern grows if the nest stops having activity afterwards. These crows are fierce as they fly towards the hawk and are very loud in the process.

We have begun to see some activity to indicate the fledglings have begun to take small flights and work in the nest to strengthen their wings by flapping them. Flight lessons have begun. We will know better how many fledglings have hatched when the foraging lessons begin next month.

I originally had a different art piece in mind for this prompt, an art piece in honor of my friend Sandy. Although I have begun it, it is far from finished and feels very personal. Sandy loved my crow series in so many ways; Small World feels appropriate as watching the nest activity has helped me grieve her loss. I have put 3 fledglings in the nest to represent her children. The crows share her fierce love and protection of them also.

Taking on any of the many parts of our world that need saving at this time is not a good focus for me at this time. The crows are helping me focus on a small world that feels precious to me as I observe this crow family growing their murder.

Small World

20 x 41

Raw edge machine applique, commercial fabrics.