Online: April 17 to May 21, 2026
Opening Reception: April 10 • 7 – 9 pm • more info

Oil Paintings in the Leonore Peyton Salon

Please note: the Leonore Peyton Salon is a multi-purpose space; therefore, viewing times are limited. Please call 604.664.1636 for viewing availability prior to your visit.

Humans have always noticed birds. Birds have appeared in art since humans started creating, and avian symbolism dominates our stories, myths, religions, and sayings. There is an ancient relationship between human mortality, death rituals, and birds. Historically and universally, birds feature in humans’ understanding of death and the afterlife as portents, transporters of souls, and sacrifices to appease gods.

Yet, does the death of a bird matter? Birds perish in huge numbers for our food and fashion. Millions die due to lost habitat, striking windows and objects, as domestic cats’ prey, and our use of toxic substances. Their lives matter little, their deaths even less.

What fascinates me the most is flipping this bird/death metaphor: the death of a bird and human reaction. It strikes me how little emotion we shed for any deceased wild creature. So, I paint soulless birds in a sensitive light or an atypical setting, to immortalize their value in the ecosystem. Some bird species mourn their departed, as we do. It is easy to assign despair as an emotion to an agitated mother bird witnessing her chicks being snatched for food. I aim to spark empathy in the viewer and form a visual connection where language alone may not be sufficient.

Notice elevates living and dead birds through oil paintings. Through my artistic emphasis on environmental issues, I aim to highlight that birds are nature’s ambassadors. While singing and silent, they have a message for us.

Website: taraconnolly.com