The Apprentice Art Studio

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The Livre d'Oiseaux

Photo By Heather Wombacher -The Apprentice Art Studio

Livre d’Oiseaux in French roughly translates as Book of the Bird. If you know me, then you know my love of birds. These stunning creatures crafted by the divine, bring forth a profound sense of happiness and wonder to my backyard these days. So much so, that I created an art book many years ago that I thought would be fun to share. I have been in my garden and backyard quite a bit in the mornings having my coffee and taking in the solitude. I have enjoyed watching the grace of the bird’s soaring flights, the enchanting melodies of their songs, and the beauty of their feathers. They still serve as inspiration for me as an artist and admirer of nature. Their unbounded freedom in the vast expanse of the sky and the intricate nests they create never cease to amaze me. Whether gracefully gliding overhead or cheerfully frolicking on the earth, these feathered friends embody a serenity in me that fosters a deep spiritual bond with nature and our Creator.

As you can see from the video I have used a diverse array of mediums in creating this art book - paper, fabric, paint, stitching, found objects such as buttons, and more - to provide a rich and textured aesthetic experience for the viewer. The substrate is an old canvas drop cloth from the hardware store. These wash up beautifully and give just enough thickness to the pages. Each material contributes its unique qualities, adding depth and visual interest to the overall composition. Through this eclectic mix of mediums, I crafted a multi-dimensional work that invites exploration and engages the senses with pockets and pullouts, showcasing a creative vision that pushes the traditional boundaries of a book. One page even has real birdseed enveloped in sheer material.

My art book aims to pay homage to the splendor of birds, emphasizing their importance and the creative inspiration they offer to me, artists, and nature lovers everywhere. I hope you enjoy this throwback share. This art book was created in 2011 and was also part of the Puget Sound Book Artists Exhibit in 2012. I am hoping to add new pages to it soon and I will do an update and show the new pictures. To see the full book watch the flip through below and leave me a comment. I would love to know what you think.