“Tink”,”Tink”,”Tink”, the unmistakable alarm call of a Blacksmith Lapwing like a hammer striking metal. This sound immediately takes me to a special place, triggering memories and emotions of the African bush veld. Bold in pattern and character, monogamous in relationships, they nest in shallow depressions on bare ground, continually defending against small and large foe. Why build in such precarious places? Successful survivors, they inspire boldness and loyalty, blessed also with some pretty mean weapons, two bony spurs protruding from the carpel joints that they use to fight off predators.
This piece has been accepted into the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum 2015 Exhibition.
Description: Blacksmith Lapwing
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 45cm x 46cm