Birds of The World

Birds of the World (Unabridged), 2020, one-of-a-kind mixed media altered book 22” x 14” x 1” Open, 11” x 14” x 2” Closed, Part of the Book Arts Collection at University of Central Florida.

This unique altered book sheds light on the familiar presence of birds in communities across the globe and concerns about the ongoing decline in bird populations. The original book was a lavishly illustrated encyclopedic guide published by Golden Press in 1961. In altering this book, I was able to examine this historical scientific perspective on birds as well as my own experiences with these amazing creatures. Whether slicing carefully at the edges of tiny bird claws and scalloped feathers to remove images, or delicately painting around phrases and words, I was meticulous in my approach on each and every spread— always considering how to maintain a balance between form and the overall concept. Though many illustrations were cut out and then placed elsewhere in the book, most pages were left intact so viewers can see the outline of what has been removed. Using erasure techniques, I also carved up the original text—describing the appearances, adaptations, behaviors and survival challenges of birds—to create poetic impressions from scientific observations. Through my own added writing, I share stories about my daily interactions with birds like herons and egrets in my home state of Florida, and rare experiences with birds in the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Antarctica and Iceland. Many species of birds are now threatened with extinction due to deforestation and the impacts of climate change— and so this piece is both a mediation on loss and an expression of hope. Taking a cue from the recently released report from The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, I hope to create awareness through an interactive visual and tactile exploration, and encourage viewers to engage in our common fascination with birds, appreciate the value they hold in our ecosystems and cultures, and consider how we might advocate for birds and nature as a whole through our political systems.

This piece is part of the Book Arts Collection at University of Central Florida.