Conversations We Ought to Have - Varied Thrush Bird Art

A varied thrush—a striking Pacific Northwest bird known for its striking plumage and shy presence—perches atop a vintage black rotary telephone. Against a richly layered abstract background, this painting invites reflection on the deeper conversations we often overlook: our relationship with the natural world. The rotary phone becomes a symbol of connection, asking us to slow down, listen, and consider how we communicate with—and care for—the world we share with wildlife.

I placed this beautiful bird with a human-made object, a rotary phone, to create a scene that is both playful and contemplative. This unexpected pairing reflects how we listen to the world around us, and how our relationship with both nature and technology spans a wide emotional and cultural spectrum.  Through this domestic yet symbolic object, I encourage reflection on how we share space with wildlife—and how the choices we make shape their future. The phone becomes a symbol of connection: Are we still listening?

This 14" x 14" artwork will ship unframed. It has been painted on gallery wrapped canvas with finished, painted edges so it can be displayed unframed, if desired. Items other than the painting in photographs are for illustration only and will not ship with the art.  All of my art is copyrighted to me and copyrights are not transferable with sale.