My favorite animal is the bird and my favorite element is water. If I could have any special power, it would be to fly and since I can't fly, I enjoy swimming (painting and snowboarding, among many other activities). In these paintings, I explored two different types of birds and their relationship with water. I wanted to convey a feeling of peace in an attempt to show that even when we have the ability to move freely through space, we can create peace for those around us in the way we carry ourselves. All of our actions are a reflection of ourselves and this concept is communicated in a subtle way through the reflections of the birds in the water. Shown on the left is "Simplicity is Peace" (Mandarin Duck), oil on canvas, and on the right is "Virginia Lake Beauty" (Swan), acrylic on canvas. Photo taken at Sparks Branch Washoe County Library, where The Birds was on display in January and February of 2011. The Birds is currently on display at The University of Nevada, Reno, William Raggio Building, College of Education Room 2023. Stop by and check it out!