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Purchase direct from the Artist here; Claire Rosen.
Birds of a Feather is a photography series of portraits of live birds, set against opulent, historically inspired backdrops that refer to the decorative traditions of past centuries. This interplay of subject and setting invites reflection on themes of beauty, domestication, and the human impulse to collect and categorize the natural world.
The book’s 120 color photographs and historical quotations weave a layered narrative that connects ornithology, art history, and ethical questions surrounding human-animal relationships. Drawing from traditions of scientific illustration and Victorian wallpaper, Birds of a Feather acknowledges both the admiration and the unintended consequences of human fascination. Spanning over a decade of work, this project evolved from a simple visual study into a deeper exploration of humanity’s complex relationship with nature. The portraits—whether of stoic falcons, rosy hued flamingos, or backyard chickens—highlight the individuality of each bird, revealing personalities as vivid as their plumage. The book ultimately asks: As we admire what nature has inspired in art, what might art do for nature in return?
The book includes images of parrots and songbirds from Birds of a Feather; owls, hawks and eagles from Birds of Prey; and chickens, ducks and pigeons from Ducks in Row with an artist statement, process essay, and two guest essays along with several avian inspired quote pages.