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Little Bird
Little Bird
MJ is an artist from Minnesota who focuses on nature and the spiritual relationship between nature, the body and the mind. Much of her work explores the identities of North American birds, the sacredness of the body, and the preservation of natural elements. MJ is currently reaching the completion of Associates degrees in Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Communication from Normandale CC in Bloomington. She will be continuing her education at Concordia St. Paul where she will pursue a Major in Community Arts and a Minor in Religion. Ultimatley, MJ hopes to enter the field of Publishing & Illustrations for children's literature.
Portraits
Portraits
Each type of bird has a unique set of human-like qualities which make them special to me as an artist. The more I learn about my community of feathered friends, the more dear to me they become. Birds are so enchanting, but their fast and elusive quality leave me with only short glimpses of them at a time. These portraits are a collection of moments I have frozen in time so I can cherish each one without fear of them flying away.
The Barnswallow
The Barnswallow
For the Barnswallow, home is nearly everywhere. This wandering soul is a creature of habit and a neighbor to many. The Barnswallow's favorable relationship with humans makes them a constant companion and friend. Their friendly chitter-chattering chirps are sure to fill the silence and keep you company anywhere you go.
The Tifted Titmouse
The Tifted Titmouse
A tiny ode to encouragement, the Tufted Titmouse is quick and cute; full of lightheartedness and creativity. Said to be one who "hears prayers", the Tifted Titmouse is a trusted companion and faithful visitor. Its gentle whistle is a comfot to many and a steadfast reminder that we are never alone.
The Blue Jay
The Blue Jay
Not one of the friendliest bird among the trees, the Blue Jay is fierce and strong. Full of intelligence and wit, the Blue Jay is an expert attention-getter. Its captivating color and striking size is a beautiful mystery to all and one of the many reasons it stands alone among the rest.
The Chickadee
The Chickadee
The Black-Capped Chickadee is perhaps the most common friend we have among birds here in our midwestern state. The Black-Capped Chickadee is fearless and fun; full of curiosity and delight. A joy to many, the Black-Capped Chickadee is friendly, social, and sweet.
Souls in Cages
Souls in Cages
Souls in Cages is a series I did exploring the mentalities and thinking patterns that were "keeping me in a cage". Feelings of indifference, fear, and anger often kept me mentally trapped, unable to move forward with freedom in my own life. Sometimes our cages become so comfortable that we forget we are in one at all, other times we are too afraid to leave them even when we have the chance. These cages symbolize my process of facing those mental and emotional obstacles and how we all struggle to escape the cages in our life.
The Indifferent One
The Indifferent One
The one who is not stirred by its surroundings. It does not question the way things are and it does not feel love or hate towards it. The one who is neutral, neither passionate nor lazy. It does not reach for more or recede into less. The one who simply exists; staying where it has been put. Contaning no death but also no life.
The Reluctant One
The Reluctant One
The one wo has freedom but does not use it. The one who lingers on the edge of its cage afraid to leave what it has decided is safe in order to remain comfortable. It does not see the necessity in growth or change and never allows itself to be challenegd beyond what it thinks it can handle. The one that loses all opportunity and understanding of a world outside of its own, but is too loyal to the one it has designed to even notice.
The Resilient One
The Resilient One
The one who is not easily convinced of its trap. Full of energy and righteous anger, it is relentless to break free despite the oppression it endures. The one who does not give up and strives ahead with hope. It does not accept the lies it was given and instead fights tirelessly for truth. The one who is not afraid to "rattle the cage" and force others to question their sense of reality.
Coming to Life
Coming to Life
In honor of my final year here at Normandale, I decided to include a self-portrait to record how much I have grown as an Artist during my time here at NCC. With 3-Dimensional aspects and the same Pied Wagtails that are tattooed on my chest, this piece truly feels as though it is coming to life and reflects the personal journey I have gone through to reach this moment.
The Pied Wagtail is a small bird with a characteristically long, constantly wagging tail and a sharp, chisick call. Legend has it that when you see a Pied Wagtail, it means that a gypsy camp is nearby and is often even referred to as the "Gypsy Bird". Similarly, the flowers depicted on the left shoulder represent my Houndstongue flower tattoos, a flower native to Europe but common in Minnesotan woods, often called the "Gypsy flower".
Both Pied Wagtails and Gypsy flowers thrive when near water, just as I do here in my home of Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes.
Thank you
Thank you
Being an artist is very vulnerable; putting your heart and mind on paper for people to stare at is often times uncomfortable and exciting all at the same time. Thank you for sharing the excitement of this moment with me and for being a part of this virtual event. Normandale is just one of the chapters in my story, there is so much more to come - but I truly wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of my family and friends, and the encouragement of my professors here at NCC.
"Like wildflowers; you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would." E.V.
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