Watchful Magpie
Oil Pastel on Paper, 10" x 10"
"Watchful Magpie" captures a fleeting moment in the life of a magpie, portrayed through abstract expressionism. The image depicts the bird perched on a branch, turning its head to meet the viewer’s gaze, which invites both attention and reflection. Through bold, sweeping oil pastel strokes, I have emphasized the magpie’s iconic black-and-white plumage, while allowing the abstraction of form to evoke its intelligent, curious nature. The contrasting dark and light tones express the bird’s striking appearance, while the layered textures suggest the complexity and vitality of the environments it inhabits.
Magpies are integral to Alberta’s landscape, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their cultural significance. In this province, the magpie is a resilient presence, thriving in urban and rural spaces. Known for their adaptability and intelligence, magpies are often seen navigating the boundaries between human development and the wild, making them symbols of versatility and survival. Their playful, yet perceptive nature has made them central figures in many Indigenous stories, where they are often regarded as tricksters or messengers, embodying the dynamic relationship between nature and human experience.
The pose of the magpie in this piece—a bird both still and alert, gazing directly at the viewer—speaks to its role as both observer and participant in the world around it. This moment of stillness is charged with a sense of anticipation as if the bird is silently challenging us to consider our relationship with the natural world. Through this work, I hope to evoke the magpie's watchful presence in Alberta, where it serves as both a symbol of the untamed wild and a reminder of the delicate balance between human and natural realms.
Oil Pastel on Paper, 10" x 10"
"Watchful Magpie" captures a fleeting moment in the life of a magpie, portrayed through abstract expressionism. The image depicts the bird perched on a branch, turning its head to meet the viewer’s gaze, which invites both attention and reflection. Through bold, sweeping oil pastel strokes, I have emphasized the magpie’s iconic black-and-white plumage, while allowing the abstraction of form to evoke its intelligent, curious nature. The contrasting dark and light tones express the bird’s striking appearance, while the layered textures suggest the complexity and vitality of the environments it inhabits.
Magpies are integral to Alberta’s landscape, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their cultural significance. In this province, the magpie is a resilient presence, thriving in urban and rural spaces. Known for their adaptability and intelligence, magpies are often seen navigating the boundaries between human development and the wild, making them symbols of versatility and survival. Their playful, yet perceptive nature has made them central figures in many Indigenous stories, where they are often regarded as tricksters or messengers, embodying the dynamic relationship between nature and human experience.
The pose of the magpie in this piece—a bird both still and alert, gazing directly at the viewer—speaks to its role as both observer and participant in the world around it. This moment of stillness is charged with a sense of anticipation as if the bird is silently challenging us to consider our relationship with the natural world. Through this work, I hope to evoke the magpie's watchful presence in Alberta, where it serves as both a symbol of the untamed wild and a reminder of the delicate balance between human and natural realms.
Oil Pastel on Paper, 10" x 10"
"Watchful Magpie" captures a fleeting moment in the life of a magpie, portrayed through abstract expressionism. The image depicts the bird perched on a branch, turning its head to meet the viewer’s gaze, which invites both attention and reflection. Through bold, sweeping oil pastel strokes, I have emphasized the magpie’s iconic black-and-white plumage, while allowing the abstraction of form to evoke its intelligent, curious nature. The contrasting dark and light tones express the bird’s striking appearance, while the layered textures suggest the complexity and vitality of the environments it inhabits.
Magpies are integral to Alberta’s landscape, not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their cultural significance. In this province, the magpie is a resilient presence, thriving in urban and rural spaces. Known for their adaptability and intelligence, magpies are often seen navigating the boundaries between human development and the wild, making them symbols of versatility and survival. Their playful, yet perceptive nature has made them central figures in many Indigenous stories, where they are often regarded as tricksters or messengers, embodying the dynamic relationship between nature and human experience.
The pose of the magpie in this piece—a bird both still and alert, gazing directly at the viewer—speaks to its role as both observer and participant in the world around it. This moment of stillness is charged with a sense of anticipation as if the bird is silently challenging us to consider our relationship with the natural world. Through this work, I hope to evoke the magpie's watchful presence in Alberta, where it serves as both a symbol of the untamed wild and a reminder of the delicate balance between human and natural realms.