A Dream Crushed, but in the best way.
It was about a year and a half ago that I had a very exciting dream to create a giant, fully-operational drinking bird. You know, those funny glass beaker birds with goofy top hats and insatiable thirsts. I can think of perhaps a few others in my life that also sorta fit that description, but that is for another time. At the time I was very excited with the idea of making these birds and using them for photographs and installations. The technical aspects of the construction was going to elude me until I had some moo-laa, but I figured I was safe for a time… wow was I wrong.
I immediately created this non-working bird for a photograph and was satisfied for the time being. Since much of my work emphasizes the childlike curiosity of my scientist persona, the drinking bird was a nice, highly recognizable item to start with.
to see a larger version visit the ‘field studies’ series on my photographs page.
Now here is where my hopes and dreams were dashed against the chalkboard… A few months ago I came across Daniel Reynolds and his Drinking Bird Project at www.drinkingbirds.com. They are beautiful. Perfect enlargements of the small toy, and there are so many!
I am not bitter now, I never really was, just awestruck that someone beat me to the crazy idea. Daniel did what seems to be a terrific job not only in the presentation of an exhibition of these birds, but also in adding the background process and science to the website.
I no longer plan on making a giant bird, but perhaps look forward to someday exhibiting my image next to one of these marvelous birds.
December 17th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
so brave, so stalwart in the face of defeat!
December 18th, 2006 at 10:39 am
I remember the day I carried that thing down the trail to its most glorious photographic location and frequently duct taping it so it would not slouch. Your bird was way better anyways, why you may ask do I think so? It had a mother board for its heart!
December 18th, 2006 at 10:49 am
haha… thanks Jeremias… yeah, mine was way better! I forgot about it’s high-tech heart. So obviously superior. I will never forget the sand gnats that day; they were certainly at their most vicious.
December 18th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Thanks for reminding me about the gnats, I really did forget just up until now, they were pretty awful that day…
December 19th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Hmm, giving up on this one, hey? I guess that’s OK… I’m just not used to hearing “Jay *The Quiter* Gould” in my head when I picture you. But yeah, that other guys already did it so, it’s not worth doing anymore.
Totally cool.
I get it.
Even though it was a dream of yours.
This guy having all the birds he wants, and his happiness is all that matters, even though you’ll never know how much happier just one bird, and fulfilling you dream, would make you.
But it’s your decision.
And I’ll just keep saying it in my head until I’m used to it… Jay *The Quiter* Gould, Jay *The Quiter* Gould, Jay *The Quiter* Gould…
Love, Bjorn
January 22nd, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Hmm… essay comments need to impose on your birds comment area. Just purused your Science/Art/Empiricism article.. no wonder you argued so adamently about your use of the word rigor! - clearly a different definition than my own at work. It’s an interesting testimony, and all the more interesting for a mathematician to read, cataloging what I’ve always thought to be the many similarities to math and art (and, some drastic differences between science and math). The mathematician would agree with the necessity of your “rigor”.. in fact, Most scholars (esp. math) could use it tattooed repeatedly on their body so they never, ever forget. I’d love to hear how the photography world reacts to your talk in March… I’m guessing it is way different than the painting artists I gravitate towards. Spare no details… so happy to see such a large forum opening up to the science/art dialogue. ’tis fantastic jay!