If Birds Did Selfies Art Exhibit

The type of nature that often gets immortalized in art is the picturesque and the pretty. Local artist Hollie Wheeler is setting out to change that. Instead of cute birds such as sparrows and robins, why not take the paintbrush and try to capture vultures, buzzards, storks, shoebills, cassowary, ostriches and emus? The result of Wheeler’s experiment is on display at the Nelson Public Library until the end of December.

The collection has a keen sense of humour, highlighting the unexpected. “I have always been interested in what nature has to offer, but my curiosity is often peaked by the more obscure, unique complexities and maybe not so visibly beautiful and graceful. The collection actually started as the Ugly Bird Project, but the more I learned about these amazing birds, I dropped the ‘ugly’ part as it just wasn’t a fair description and changed it to the If Birds Did Selfies Project. Many humans indulge in selfies, so why can’t vultures? I thought it would be fun to capture the beauty of these amazing birds in a way that makes you stop and take a second look.”

Wheeler hopes her art will spark an interest to learn more about these creatures: “Many of the vultures have not evolved since the Ice Age, but yet they are here. They are nature’s ingenious way of putting together an amazing survival kit: a sturdy sharp beak, strong talons, just the right amount of feathers and giving it a taste for carrion. Their existence is challenged on a daily occurrence as they cross paths with the modern world. We are doomed without them as they clean up decaying carcasses where diseases would otherwise flourish.” Wheeler has long been an artist, dabbling in many different mediums: textiles, paint and wood. After retiring from Nelson Chocofellar, the business she founded and ran with her husband, Wheeler has had more time to explore and play with different crafts.

The exhibition is a part of the library’s Climate Action Week, which raises awareness of climate change related challenges. The theme this year is “Connecting with Nature in your Own Backyard.”