Sunday, August 17, 2014

Of nests...

I think like many others, I am enamoured of feathers and nests and eggs and birds as imagery and as symbols.  Somehow for me they feel accessible and friendly and something that we can relate too, something that brings out a certain gentleness in us perhaps.

I like the idea of flight, and of drifting; of new life and of nurture. Birds, feathers, eggs and nests offer these things I think!

Maleny Printmakers are hosting another Collectables exhibition in November - all small prints which fit in CD cases and cost $25 - so I have been trying to make some prints to show and sell.

This is an edition of nests I have made, on beautiful soft goyu paper from Talas in Brooklyn, NY.

The paper is light and feathery, yet strong, which reflects how nests are. So often when winds have blown and leaves have been shredded; the nest remains.



I wonder what the collective noun for nests is?



Such beautiful feathery edges...



27 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Roberta - I think they're rather lovely too!

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  2. Beyond beautiful. I have enjoyed watching your journey into self expression. It is so inspiring.

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    1. Thank you Jan - the journey is ongoing and a real joy; thanks for coming along!

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  3. Beautiful nests, beautiful paper.

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    1. Yes Jo - that paper is a true delight for a paper fiend like me!

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  4. hey are lovely, Have you read
    Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds
    Haupt, Lyanda Lynn
    I think you might enjoy it.
    x te

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    1. Thanks Trace - that books sounds like a real delight - I've just been off checking it out. It would be wonderful if somebody wrote an Australian one too...

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  5. Gorgeous Fiona! I can't wait to see the others. I see I'll be spending some money at the exhibition... ;)

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    1. You are very kind Julie! I am hoping to pull together a few more that work; I do love these little nests...and birds, and feathers...

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  6. Replies
    1. Thanks! They have worked out better that I thought they might - the warm colour and lovely paper really help.

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you Robyn - they are quite delightful all together and I love the collection of them.

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  8. They look stunning Fiona… and the paper, scrumptious :-)

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    1. Mmmmmm paper mmmmmm! Thanks Suzi, I am so happy I discovered this paper, it is so right for these wee ones. Go well.

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  9. So delicate and ephemeral, Fiona. There are so many possibilities for a collective noun - could it be a congregation of nests as in a congregation of birds or possibly a clutch of nests as in a clutch of eggs or my favourite idea - a creche of nests as in a creche of penguins :)

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    1. Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions Robyn! They work so well with the nest; I think I like the creche the best...just perfect.

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  10. Absolutely beautiful, Fiona, and the nest almost pops off the paper!

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    1. Thanks Carol - glad they appear nest-like! I enjoyed them once I got the inking and colour right. Go well.

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  11. Thank you Christine - and thank you for the link, that is fabulous book! I hope to go buy a copy now. A fascinating production. Go well.

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  12. Gorgeous. Somehow they seem very peaceful to me.

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    1. Thanks Lyndell! They are definitely restful and peaceful makes sense to me too. It's intriguing isn't it how they can project such soft and gentle feelings? Go well.

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  13. These are absolutely delightful, Fiona! The effect of the paper you chose is as perfect as the effect of the twigs that compose the nest...

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    1. Thanks Lisa - glad you enjoyed! The paper did make a difference and felt like a real ah-ha moment when I did my first on using it. Just right!

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.