Kitchener, Ont. artist on a mission to draw one bird a day for a year
Step inside Meredith Blunt’s studio and it’s clear why the Kitchener, Ont. artist calls herself a “bird nerd.”
From backyard bird feeders to bird-related art, Blunt surrounds herself with feathered friends.
“I sort of impose these stories and little dramatics on them,” she explains. “What they're doing, how their nest is going, who they're partnering up with, and why they're fighting over food.”
After taking a pandemic pause from art, she’s flying back into it with a force – challenging herself to draw a bird a day for an entire year.
“I know for sure I can do 365,” she says with a smile.
“I'm going to try really hard this year to get orioles and hummingbirds."
Starting by sketching, then moving on to paint, line by line and stroke by stroke, Blunt’s masterpieces start to take shape.
“You can start seeing that life in the drawing that represents that life of the bird,” she explains.
Blunt is a self-proclaimed 'bird nerd.' (Spencer Turcotte/CTV Kitchener)
As an added challenge, Blunt’s limiting herself to bird species known to frequent Waterloo region.
For birds she’s not able to spot herself, neighbours and fellow birders on Facebook are offering up pictures they’ve taken to help with inspiration.
“It’s turning into this great local community project,” Blunt says.
So what happens to the prints at the end of the year?
Blunt is considering several ideas – from using them for a local bird guide, to selling them as part of non-profit fundraising efforts.
With a long way to go, it seems the sky is the limit, with much more time to decide.
“Today, I’m at 299 birds to go, yesterday was bird number 65.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.