During the month of April as I worked on the Woodpecker wood engraving the drumming of the Great Spotted Woodpecker could be heard resounding through the estate close to where I live. As the bird rapidly beat the tip of its bill against the dead branch of the magnificent Oak it reminded me of my own excavations and the repetition of the printing process as I tested papers and ink. Rather than discard the developments and explorations I decided to reconfigure the heredity in the form of the parent that created the baby of my depiction. In the words of the poet Lucretius when talking about the elements; ‘Why not instead Consider things their elements, and turn it on its head? ‘

An image inspired by a tenacious nesting starling in the garden.  The precocious chattering and awkward stance belies the spectacular sight of an acrobatic murmuration at dusk or the vivid iridescence of plumage we normally associate with the species. The uncertainty of the intaglio process captures the vulnerability and disjointed pose of the individual whilst alluding to the precarious future for its kind.

The number of breeding starlings has declined by 81% since 1970 according to the state of the UK’s birds 2013 report.

Murmuration 16 has been selected for the Masters Relief prints exhibition at Bankside gallery 4-15th November 2015.  Details and opening times can be found on gallery website http://www.banksidegallery.com.

A truly inspirational place, with nature at its heart.

As the light fades on an amazing year at West Dean, I find myself pondering my next project and trying to organise my studio at home.