King Rail (2024)

As an artist, I take interest in exploring themes of human driven ecological damage and bird population decline. North America has lost 30% of its birds in just 50 years due to consumerist environmental destruction. This loss reflects our growing disconnection from nature.

King Rail is made entirely out of debris collected by the train tracks in Ann Arbor, MI. King Rails are a species native to Michigan, and I wanted to reflect that by collecting trash from its natural habitat.

10” x 20”

For me, the most rewarding part of making art is the challenge of transforming found, unfamiliar materials into something entirely new. I approached this piece with no expectations beyond achieving accurate proportions, and I’m proud of the result. I'm excited to keep expanding this series of bird sculptures made from debris.