RED WINGED BLACK BIRD


It is spring and a sleepy afternoon is interrupted by a cool breeze blowing through the window and a sound, a big sound, a persistent sound. You go outside to the creek bank and stand under the huge maples that line the river. Suddenly, hundreds of red winged blackbirds rise up from the bull rushes, their wings creating a swooshing, rushing sound that fills the air with an exhilarating energy. You have discovered the migration gathering spot of the birds; a priceless gift for a perfect day. That scene actually happened, shortly after I moved into my house in Pefferlaw. Every spring and fall, hundreds of red winged blackbirds gather in the rushes alongside my property. They sing their songs, which can seem rather raucous en mass, for over a week. Some stay and build their nests but most move on. I adore those weeks with the blackbirds. .

This blackbird was painted before I moved to Pefferlaw. It was one of the first things I created when I was learning the art of kiln fired glass painting. I was working in an idyllic spot, staying in my friend’s one room cabin which had a big window overlooking a pasture. Here I ate my meals and drew my designs. The kiln was located in an old tobacco curing shed and I worked long, happy days painting and firing whenever I could slip away to the country. Eventually, back in Toronto, that red winged blackbird found its place in the centre of the red chevrons. At the time I was dreaming of my own country place, where red winged blackbirds sing. Prophetically the bird was telling me the dream was not in vain, but would come true.

PS: My favourite song to go with this piece is by James Keelaghan, called Red-winged Blackbirds on his Home album. Check out his web site. James is a terrific Canadian singer-songwriter.