Inside the Bird Cage

A few weeks ago, while stocking up on paint and other studio supplies, I came across a decorative bird cage. Inspiration often strikes at the most random moments. As soon as I saw this bird cage, I knew it was part of a bigger story. Although the story itself hadn't come to me, I kept the cage and canvas in my mind, waiting for the right moment. The moment finally struck two nights ago.

Persistent congestion and pressure from a sinus infection was keeping me from a good night's sleep. Although this could have easily turned into a very frustrating night of tossing and turning, I found myself thinking about that bird cage and the story that it was going to hold. For obvious reasons, I was already envisioning a story with birds. As I was in the midst of brainstorming different bird combinations (black & white collaged birds, one large bird on a branch, crows, etc) the screen to my cell phone suddenly lit up. Frustrated at the interruption--and the fact that I had forgotten to set my phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode, I quickly grabbed my phone to set things right. After the brief interruption, I jumped back into bed and redirected my thoughts towards the bird cage painting. Suddenly an old fashioned phone began to come into focus. It turns out that cell phone interruption had been enough to inspire a new direction for the painting. As soon as I got out of bed, I immediately began sketching out my idea....which led to the finished product you see pictured to the left! Inspiration strikes as the most unexpected moments!

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