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. These new birds are painted on reference books which were integral to the research, in a way they contain all the information, all the DNA of the original species. I have now started to extend the breeding program with mammals and insects.

Miró Thrush (Turdus chiffres et constellations)
Oil on found book, 17.1/4” x 13.5/8” Framed, 2019
Marden Stilt (Himantopus vine)
Oil and Gouache on found book, 18 1/4” x 14 3/4” Framed.
Church Finch (Spinus Autumn)
Oil paint, Gouache and Pencil on found Book. Framed 15 7/8” x 14”. 2023
Cole Finch (Tower by moonlight)
Oil paint, gouache and Pencil on found book. Framed 15.5” x 12”. 2023.
Rothko Kingfisher (Alcedo white center)
Oil, Gouache and pencil on found book, 17.8 x 14" Framed,2020
Monet Painted Stork (Mycteria nymphéas)
Oil, Gouache and pencil on found books.
The Kelly Butterfly Collection.
Oil and Gouache on found book, 20.5" x 26” Framed. 2021
Rothko Bee-eater (Merops no 10)
Oil. Gouache and pencil on found book on 24k gold frame.
Miró Tragopan (Tragopan toward the rainbow)
Oil and Gouache and Pencil on Found book.
Miró Lemur (Lemur constellations)
Oil and Gouache on found books, Framed 31 x 25”, 2021.
Albers Duck (Anas protected blue)
Oil and Gouache on found book, Framed 18 1/8” x 17 1/4” x 2 1/8” deep.
Albers Tern (Hydroprogne porta negra)
Oil and Gouache on found book, Framed 18.75 ” x 16.25”.
Pollock Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus number 34)
Oil, Gouache and pencil on found book on 24k gold leaf frame.
The Pollock Butterfly Collection
Oil and Gouache on found books, 19 "x 24 1/4” Framed. 2021
Gaitonde Flameback (Dinopium untitled 1996)
Oil, Gouache and pencil on found book.
Raza Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium prabhas)
oil and Gouache on found book, 24k Gold leaf frame
Picasso's Eagle (Aquila femme en pleurs)
Oil on found book, 20.7/8” x 16.5/8” framed, 2019
Kelly Bluebird (Sialia small blue curve)
Oil on found book, 18” x 14.3/4” framed, 2015-2019
Hodgkin Hoopoe (Upupa girl on a sofa)
Oil and Gouache on found book,19 x 17.5" Framed
Mitchell Hummingbird (Damophila two pianos)
Oil on found book, 17.3/4” x 15” framed, 2015-2019
Miro Thrush (Turdus Poetess), 2015
Oil and Acrylic on found book, 9 5/8 x 8 3/4 x 5/8 in
Rothko Finch (Carduelis light cloud, dark cloud), 2015
Oil and Acrylic on found book. 10 1/4 x 7 1/8 x 1 in
Tapies Waxbill (Estrilda AT.1985)
Oil and Acrylic on found book, 9 3/4 x 10 3/4 x 5/8 in
Clyfford Still Sparrow (Passer PH-118) Clyfford Still Sparrow (Passer 1947-J)