"They are portraits of individuals who looked at me whenever I looked at them, who acknowledged and accepted me as part of their world.”
Perhaps some critics would accuse her of anthropomorphism. Having watched birds make intimate offerings of food with their avian family members… Well that was what put me onto thinking these robins were family members even when they looked similar in age. I remember when one, standing off eyeing me, seemed to be trying to communicate with me. Then it looked at my feet, and I looked: there was a worm there, so I stepped aside gently and walked away.
"They are portraits of individuals who looked at me whenever I looked at them, who acknowledged and accepted me as part of their world.”
Perhaps some critics would accuse her of anthropomorphism. Having watched birds make intimate offerings of food with their avian family members… Well that was what put me onto thinking these robins were family members even when they looked similar in age. I remember when one, standing off eyeing me, seemed to be trying to communicate with me. Then it looked at my feet, and I looked: there was a worm there, so I stepped aside gently and walked away.
Tan's illustrations are 'portraits of individuals', I love that!