Warbler and Crabapple
L: Japanese Crabapple, Central Park
R: Black and White Warbler, photo by Carol Hamilton
With buds and flowers that are edible for birds, not to mention fruit and visiting insects, the Japanese Crabapple tree is a veritable bird buffet. One of the many birds that favors the Japanese Crabapple is the insect-loving, black-and-white warbler. Known for its highly contrasting black and white coloration, this small songbird migrates between the tropics and Northeastern US. In the springtime, its distinctive song, a reedy chirping that the Audubon Society compares to the sound of a squeaky wheelbarrow, can be heard in Central Park.
Warbler is limited edition, linocut print.
Our new limited edition, linocut print, Warbler, was inspired by a dazzling Japanese Crabapple tree in Central Park, in full bloom and at high volume thanks to the songs and clamor of visiting birds celebrating the spring season. I stumbled across the crabapple while walking through the park with my dear friend, Kim. As we stood there admiring the festoons of pink blossoms and listening to the cacophony of birdsong, Kim introduced me to the Merlin app. Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the app identifies birds by the songs they sing. This was a revelation to me. I fondly associate birdsongs with certain seasons, places, and memories, but, until recently, while I could hum the songs, I couldn’t name the singers.
After making a charcoal sketch, I transfer it onto a block and heighten the areas of contrast. Next I carve the block. The areas of black remain, and the areas of gray are removed to reveal the white substrate below. Next I print the block with water-based ink on heavy paper. Once the ink has dried, I add magenta ink with a paintbrush to suggest the crabapple's distinctive pink buds. Last I tear off the top 2 inches of paper which have the holes I use to manage printing registration.
In these last few weeks, as I’ve worked on the Warbler print, I’ve listened to the birds in the little garden outside my studio’s windows. And I’ve learned that I’m keeping company with a house finch, a house sparrow, a white-throated sparrow, and a European starling, among others.
Their varied songs remind me of the music that I listen to as I work. The selections are often eclectic, but while the singers and songs differ, the collective soundtrack feels like an essential part of my creative process. Like the birds in the crabapple tree, I’m happiest and most productive when I’m surrounded by song.
Warbler measures 7" x 10.5." Shown with Guava, Pink, fabric.
Left: Turkey Red, Color Black
Center: Fungi, color Red and Black