Turkeys. Between Memory and Presence.41 × 39 inches. Turkeys have fascinated me since childhood. I remember visiting my aunt with my grandmother, where turkeys lived on the property. They often sat in trees above the garage, and I always wondered how such large birds could fly. They both attracted and slightly frightened me — with their sounds, movements, and strong character. They could also bite. There was something unpredictable and very alive about them. This image stayed with me for a long time. Recently, I returned to it and began painting turkeys again, still searching for their true presence. Later, while working on a series of large bird paintings and during a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, I saw a big flock of wild turkeys. That moment brought me back to them completely, and to how I see them now. This work — watercolor and ink — is a process of exploration. I was interested in their rich tails, textures, dense forms, and light movement. I worked experimentally, letting the material guide me. This is a very personal piece, built from memory and observation.
