Improbably Beautiful and Afraid of Nothing • Barn Owl in Repose

(Tyto alba)

Improbably beautiful and afraid of nothing.

A moment of peace, deep connection to the present, skilful listening in the orange light of dusk. A quick shake, feathers ruffled and revealing the intricate patterns designed for invisibility, all rust and charcoal and buff flecks like stars.

Barn owls are the narrative my own brain has as 'owl'. There is something about those disc faces, all moon and pearl. The softness of wide eyes set deep and kind, with varying splashes of rusts and ochres and sunset hues among flecks of darkest branches and night skies.

The name of this piece was inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver, who wrote many words about owls, their at once mysterious and wholly grounded nature, and connection to all facets of the web of life.

Artwork comes shipped flat with a protective acid free mat frame and backing, ready for you to take to a professional framer and have beautifully matted and framed to match your heart and home.

Reference photo used with generous permission by Lydia Ripplinger @lydebug

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Natalie Eslick is an Australian artist and creative guide deeply inspired by the natural world. Natalie worked in academic (human rights) and health fields for many years before returning to art, which is her passion and now full time career. Her work forges intimate connection with our non-human kin and the landscapes into which we are rooted. A moment of breath and stillness, layer upon layer of detail entrances the viewer, reflecting the process of open wonder and intentional honouring that is the artist's beautifully meditative, quiet, and slow process. Inspiring compassion and kindness, Natalie's work is an act of curiosity and wonder, underpinned by respect, reverence for and reciprocity to the intricate web of the natural world we are a part of.