BIRDWATCHING at 33.G is a series of portraits of birds that can be found in our city, Las Vegas and its surrounding areas.

Why birds? Birds play an important role in maintaining balance in our ecosystem and add enjoyment to our lives with their beauty — both in plumage colors and distinct songs. I feel they are somewhat like us, humans. When changes occur in an ecosystem where birds live, some birds will leave, some will stay and adapt to the change, and some will be attracted by the change to come. Just as we are as humans. When changes occur in a neighborhood, we reshape the dynamic make- up of the population — some leave; some come; some stay and adapt to the new changes. In our ever-changing urban landscapes, birds can represent adaptation, resilience, and the continuation of life.

My love for bird portraits started over a decade ago when I did research into local birds in Baltimore City to paint a series of bird murals on buildings. Most bird images I found at that time were full body, detailed images with backgrounds. But the appearances of birds I saw in my personal experiences had less details due to the distance between myself and the birds. To express that, I wanted to take a different approach and developed my own unique style of bird portraits which focuses on the shape and colors of the upperparts/heads of birds with simpler lines and colors without any specific backgrounds. With a focus on bird portraits in this particular approach, I feel I can generate more striking images of each bird, solely emphasizing the bird itself and its facial expression.

It is my hope that the exhibition BIRDWATCHING at 33.G can create an awareness of the existence of the birds among us and celebrate the richness of natural habitats in our area that we can all respect, protect and enjoy together.

- Iandry