Patterns of the Bird World Collection

I’ve taken 1000s of photographs of birds. I’ll never tire of the colours, textures and patterns of their gorgeous feathers.  Making a collection featuring just a handful of them was quite a task, though I think this is something I may have to come back to in the future! For now, here are 14 new pieces based on 6 species of beautiful bird – some you’ll know, some a little more obscure.

I have my own little feathery shadow in the form of an African Grey so I’d be in big trouble if I didn’t include this popular parrot species. Not the most complex of feather patterns, but the light grey with the flash of red on the tail is iconic of this cheeky bird and this pendant and earrings are a stylish and subtle way for grey enthusiasts to wear a little nod to their feathery friends without looking like a full on ‘crazy bird person.’

You’ll be forgiven if you’re not familiar with the Lady Amherst’s Pheasant but when you see the stunning feathers you’ll know why I had to photograph them. The deep teal, navy and white feathers edged with black are somewhere between bird and mermaid. The complexity of this pattern lent itself to much bigger pieces so everything has been scaled up with this design.

There are many different species of spectacular Macaw and a collection could be created on these parrots alone. This pendant and earrings are based on the Green Winged Macaw, which is mainly red across the head and body but with these vibrant green and blue feathers in the wings.

The Reeves Pheasant is native to China, and named after the British naturalist who brought the bird to Europe, however their amazing feathers I liken to Moroccan floor tiles! The black, copper, red, white and bronze tones in the image have been given a metallic finish by printing the photograph onto acetate rather than paper, allowing the silver to shine through. Again, the complexity of this pattern meant it was much better used in large statement pieces.

When I first posed the question ‘What is your favourite bird’ to people, several said the Lilac Breasted Roller. Yes, this small bird does have some lilac on it’s breast but it also has feathers in pink, light and dark blue, white, black, green and brown. A bit greedy if you ask me.

One of the most loved and recognisable birds of them all – the Toco Toucan. Simple but striking feather colours in black, white and orange with that slightly bonkers electric blue eyeshadow. Beautiful.

See the whole ‘Patterns of the Bird World’ collection here.