"You Again?"
Oil on board, 12×12
2023
Special Recognition Finalist, 13th Annual Nature– Light Space & Time Art Gallery
Buy a print
Inquire about the original
Oil on board, 12×12
2023
Special Recognition Finalist, 13th Annual Nature– Light Space & Time Art Gallery
Buy a print
Inquire about the original
This Spectacled Owl was one of the hundred or so birds I cared for during my time at the San Antonio Zoo. Most of our birds, whether raised in captivity or the wild, habituated at least to their particular keeper, and often even to the keeper uniform. His girlfriend remained unphased by me, but every morning when I entered their enclosure with an offering of food, this little guy would dramatically swoop to the highest branch in what felt like genuine surprise, and watch me with deep indignation, as if it had never happened before. I didn’t like that I caused him anxiety, but I did find his apprehensive personality endearing.
I recognize that expression these days when I feed my feral barn cats—only now I especially appreciate his restraint in keeping those much sharper, airborne talons to himself! Not all birds are so tolerant, especially raptors during nesting season. This painting is a memory of that mutual concern and respect we exchanged with each other every morning, and my appreciation for him letting me take care of him.
I recognize that expression these days when I feed my feral barn cats—only now I especially appreciate his restraint in keeping those much sharper, airborne talons to himself! Not all birds are so tolerant, especially raptors during nesting season. This painting is a memory of that mutual concern and respect we exchanged with each other every morning, and my appreciation for him letting me take care of him.
