For The Birds

Using Illustrated Birds for Storytelling

THE GIRL AND THE BLACKBIRD

In this six part series Melinda used different techniques to tell the story of a girl and a blackbird (the series starts with the vertical image). It tells the story of Kosovo (the blackbird) and the United States (the girl). Melinda was living in Kosovo when she created this series. She continually was faced with the dynamics of the two counties and how Kosovo is incredibly grateful to the United States for all that they did in 90's but how the United States is trying to allow Kosovo to be its own country, while at the same time wanting to influence certain aspects. It is a difficult dynamic and one day soon hopefully both countries can soar together side by side.

Melinda found that she enjoyed telling stories using birds that she drew, painted, and embroidered. The birds allowed her to express emotions dealing with her family, where they lived, and where they live now.