While I was researching advances within genomic technology, I became enthralled by the progress biologists were making in the study of endangered animals. These molecular biologists had set themselves the goal of re-engineering previously extinct species and returning them to life. For example, The Flagship Project proposes to bring back the extinct Passenger Pigeon. To achieve this they would use the DNA of specimens found in natural history museums. These preserved DNA fragments would then be engineered with its closest living species, the band-tailed pigeon, to recreate a new breed that is as close as possible to the extinct bird.


I became fascinated by the creation of new, yet familiar breeds. By combining an existing bird, and mixing it with the DNA of a painting I wanted to create an entirely new, and wonderful subspecies. I have engineered these new breeds by thinking about how a certain birds' patterning and color could match the DNA of a specific painting. There is an interesting correlation between brush-strokes and feathers. Plumage, like paintings, has evolved to evoke very specific emotions: aggression, warning, seduction, joy. 


Delauney Cockatoo (Cacatua prismes électriques)
2022
Oil on wood panel.
25" x 16"
Marden Ibis (Eudocimus attendant 2)
2021
Oil on linen
29 x 41 x 2.5” deep framed, unframed paintings measure 24 x 37”
Monet Spoonbill (Platalea nymphéas)
2021
Oil on linen
29 x 41 x 2.5” deep framed, unframed painting measures 24 x 37”
Noland Owl ( Strix spring call)
2022
Oil on linen
35” x 36” framed with 24k Gold leaf
Rothko Pelican
2022
oil on linen
39 x 47" Framed
Monet Falcon
2021
Oil on linen
29 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches Framed
Matisse Falcon
2021
Oil on linen
29 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches Framed
Picasso Falcon
2021
Oil on linen
29 x 21.5 x 1.5 inches Framed
Riley Duck (Anatidae arrest 2)
2022
Oil on linen
29 x 24" Framed
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022
Mark Straus Gallery 2022