Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Red-winged Blackbird


One of the first pieces I finished while living in Great Basin National Park was this Red-winged Blackbird shawl. I caught a fleeting glimpse of red while watching some blackbirds and loved the ephemeral surprise it gave me. I didn’t see another one the whole time I was there but captured the beautiful contrast in the shawl. It is one of my favorites that I have created so far.

Information that will be included in the pattern: Red-winged blackbirds are a familiar site in Great Basin National Park. They can be spotted in marshy fields and the grassy edges of wetlands. The males’ beautiful red and yellow shoulder patches stand in stark contrast to their deep black feathers. Singing atop cattails, the males flaunt their epaulets making a showy spectacle for their female onlookers. This artwork was produced under the Darwin Lambert Artist in Residence Program at Great Basin National Park.