The idea of gifts given by nature, and the idiosyncratic behaviour of birds factor into this painting. It was inspired on an academic level by the historical Western belief that nature is ours for the taking, and that its gifts are freely given, but it was also inspired by an experience I had while camping, when a bird took away and then brought back something that belonged to me.
I used to love camping alone, as it afforded the opportunity for a lot of silence, and many close encounters with wildlife. On one trip I had several amazing moments with the local birds; in particular, when a seagull swiped one of my firestarter cupcakes, took it away, then brought it back when it realized the cake wasn’t edible. The behaviour fascinated me, and I felt privileged to witness it.