Finished 9x9” in frame (frame is black and the glass is on both sides)

:: Don’t Be Anxious, Caged Bird ::

When I think about the book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” I think of many people in my life. I also found that the title of this book was from a poem. I did research on these. Since then, I have been trying to figure out what to do with this little bird cage stencil that I made after that research. Inspired by the whirlwind of all the things going on in March and April for Pandemic 2020, I used my watercolor pencils and created this swirl with salt and water. Then I let it sit. About a month later, I was inspired to put the bird cage stencil to resurface and used it here. I had been to an antique store in February… before quarantine and I found this handwritten verse, one of my favorites, in an old bible or hymnal. I bought both of them and found more little slips of paper that I used for artwork. These little pieces were handwritten for a reason, so I didn’t want them to be lost. The top right image of a flower is a photograph that I’ve carried around with me for years. I think it’s from a time I spent in California. I’ve added it to balance the bird cage and to use as life and hope.

Sometimes in the birdcage is where we find our calling and true song. Don’t be anxious.