About the Imaginary Bird

In-between writing and printmaking, taking care of chickens, making paper and all the rest... I like to sketch birds. I was having a rough day when I drew my Imaginary Bird- just a bird off the top of my head. My sketches always have something to say, hence: "I'm not even real..." The more I looked at my bird, though, the more kinship I felt with it. I, too, could be different, but beautiful. I, too, could feel like I wasn't "even real," but could still be okay. I scratched out the title "Self portrait as imaginary bird," closed my notebook and went on about my day.
But I kept coming back to this imperfect little sketch, loving it more and more. It's the only self-portrait I've ever done and represents me as both vulnerable and strong, as I hope you will find my art. I could think of no better image to represent myself as an artist. It's messy, but straight from the heart...