The birds on the balcony use my skulls as furniture, creating these "living still lifes." The horse skull's beautiful and subtle shape calls to mind the fleetness of its origin. An aerodynamic face, for parting the wind. In another life I rode horses.
Only at the end of the painting did I realize it was a self-portrait -- the chickadee, survivor of harsh winters, perched up high and looking out, the same way I look out from the balcony, knowing more winters are coming. Preparing to launch, poised between moments. Standing on the bones of another life.
Here are my bones, and birds, and I, waiting to meet whatever comes next.