By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
The master arts students hosted a pop-up art showcase during Evening at La Mesa Arts Academy on Thursday, March 12. The student showcase featured the artist John James Audubon.
The display in the library featured interesting facts about Audubon, who was an enthusiast of the outdoors and fascinated by the many species and colors of birds from around the world that he would paint and document. He published books featuring these paintings and chronicled the birds he studied. Many nature centers and conservation organizations around the world are also named after him and help protect bird species and wildlife habitats.
Controversially, Audubon would shoot birds and position them in lifelike poses in order to paint detailed portraits of them. In the 1700s and early 1800s, artists often relied on observation and preserved specimens to capture accurate details, as photography had not yet been invented.
Nowadays, there are many bird groups whose members notify each other when a rare bird is spotted so that it can be photographed and documented. In fact, I have a cousin who travels around the world to capture photographs of birds and other wildlife during these excursions.
In Jewish tradition, birds also play a significant role. The Torah mentions that on the fifth day of creation, birds were created. The Torah also outlines various laws regarding which birds may be consumed and discusses their behaviors.
Birds have also been used as symbols of peace, such as in the story of Noah and the Ark, when a dove returned carrying an olive branch to show that land was beginning to emerge after the flood.
As Passover approaches, it is also remembered that during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt, G-d provided not only manna but also quail for sustenance for Moses and his followers.
Birds that consume meat are generally considered unclean to eat according to Torah tradition. These forbidden birds include eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors. Carrion feeders such as vultures and crows are also not permitted, along with certain water birds such as seagulls, herons, and pelicans that consume fish.
The Master Arts students will host another art showcase at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, in the La Mesa Arts Academy library.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.