I’ve admitted it already, I can be a bird-brain. Not in a ditzy way, in an I am completely fascinated by birds kind of way. When we go out for evening walks, especially here at the lake, many times I’ll stop just to gaze at a lovely bird or try to catch a glimpse as one flits from tree to tree, trying to avoid the approaching humans. London artist Fran Giffard takes ornithological study to an artsy degree as she draws these fine-feathered illustrations on the pages of old moleskin diaries.
Her latest series, O for Ornithology, features birds drawn within layouts similar to those of Mondrian’s paintings. The birds “perched” within the grid seem to be peering in on us from a windowsill or perhaps peering out from a cage.
Giffard’s use of old diaries as substrate create an interesting juxtaposition between the beautifully rendered fowl and quickly jotted notes about every day life like grocery lists and appointments.
To see more of Fran Giffard’s work, please visit her website. Looking forward to seeing lots of lovely new birds while we are in Joshua Tree, CA this Fall!
Featured image is P, Old Paper Alphabet series, graphite pencil and aquarelle, 26×21 cm. All images are via the artist’s website.
Comments
8 responses to “Lost in the Aviary: Fran Giffard”
Hi, Lesley…After seeing those neat bird images by Fran Giffard, I want to share with you the website of an artist from Paso Robles, CA – Matt Adrian – who paints some fun birds and obviously has a great sense of humor, judging by the titles he gives his birds. See http://www.mincingmockingbird.com/pages/about-us I recently ordered a print of a kingfisher by Matt from his etsy website. Wish I could buy Fran’s wonderful painting that you featured in this Artsy Forager. Libby Hocker, Grants Pass, OR
If you would like to buy or commission a drawing, please email me! fran.giffard@hotmail.com
I hope to hear from you!
Thanks for sharing, Libby! His birds have such personalities and yes, those titles are a hoot!
Thanks for writing such lovely things about my drawings! I guess you are across the pond, but if you are ever in London, please come by my studio!
All the best
Fran
Unfortunately, yes, waaay across the pond, soon to be in California! But should we ever happen to be in London, I would love to visit your studio, Fran. Your work is so incredibly lovely in concept and in execution!
Cheers!
Lesley
Beautiful art! So simple, yet so cool
Reblogged this on carmillaweirdlove and commented:
Those drawings are beautiful!
Stunning! Very jealous of your talent! At least I have something to aim for in the future I suppose!