Wreath of Life

Sparrows here in Dubai who have second and third nestlings run the risk of losing them as the spring turns into scorching summer. I have found several of these perfectly preserved specimens over the years here and I keep them as anatomical reference and artistic inspiration. The ones I don't keep serve as nourishment for all other plants and animals. From death comes life. This is the subject matter of this pen and ink drawing.

This year, due to COVID, we've not been able to get back to the lush UK summer and get out into nature, so I found myself drawing a wreath of many common plants that I would usually pick, make jam, tea or salads with as a way to remember much loved summer activities that have been sorely missed. You may perhaps recognise some of the plants which include, blackberries, wild plantain, hawthorn, honeysuckle, wood sorrel, dandelion, nettles, oak and bracken. By surrounding the intricate drawing of the bird with so many plants, edible to animals and humans, I remind myself of the circle of life, that the death of one creature nourishes the lives of so many others. From something seemingly sad comes so much that is positive and full of life.

There are prints of this drawing available for sale in my Saatchiart shop.

Wreath of Life. Pen & Ink drawing on fine art paper.