Artist’s Statement

The Spirit of Birds is more than a collection of photographs; it is a deeply personal journey, a pilgrimage, if you will, into the heart of our connection with the natural world. For me, birds are not just subjects to be photographed; they are symbols, muses, and guides. They embody freedom, resilience, and the profound longing for transcendence that has always stirred within me.

This work is rooted in my own life’s tapestry. I think back to my childhood, waking to the raucous calls of crows in the woodland behind my grandmother’s home, their cries carrying a mysterious language that sparked my curiosity. I remember the awe of peering into chicken eggs under a backlit microscope, witnessing the faint movements of life within. And I recall the dawn choruses that accompanied my early mornings as a young farmer, the melodies of unseen birds weaving through dew-kissed fields. These moments shaped me, grounding me in a sense of wonder and belonging that I carry to this day.

As I’ve grown, birds have continued to inspire me; not just in life, but in dreams. I’ve often dreamt of soaring above the clouds, unshackled and free, and these dreams have become a metaphor for my own creative and spiritual journey. The works of Freud and Jung helped me understand these dreams as more than flights of fancy; they are manifestations of a more profound yearning for freedom and connection. Birds, in their flight and presence, have become my mentors, teaching me to see the world and myself with fresh eyes.

Through The Spirit of Birds, I aim to share this perspective. Each photograph is a meditation, a moment of connection transformed into a visual language that speaks to the spirit. Whether it’s a kestrel hovering against stormy skies, gulls tracing arcs over mirrored waters, or crows weaving through the morning mist, these images are more than representations of nature. They are invitations to pause, to reflect, and to rediscover our place within the intricate web of life.

This project is also a response to the changes I’ve witnessed in the landscapes of Northern England, where I’ve spent much of my life. The family farms I once knew, rich with the songs of lapwings and the churring of nightjars, have faded. The biodiversity that once thrived there is disappearing, and with it, a part of our heritage. Through my work, I hope to honour these vanishing landscapes and the wisdom they hold, while also calling attention to the urgent need for preservation.

At its core, The Spirit of Birds is about more than birds. It’s about the delicate balance of our shared ecosystem and the timeless bond we have with the natural world. It’s about the whispers of nature that call us to slow down, to listen, and to remember that we are not separate from this world but deeply entwined with it. Birds, with their grace and resilience, remind us of this truth. Their songs, though fading, still call us to action; to protect, to preserve, and to reconnect.

This work is my way of answering that call. It is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of nature, a reflection on the themes of freedom and transcendence, and a reminder of the hope that lies in our shared humanity. Through these images and the stories they tell, I invite you to join me on this journey; to see birds not just as creatures of the sky, but as reflections of our own spirit, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.