Creative Ecology: David Tomb

“My work is inspired by birding trips near and far. Spending time in the field in habitat and finding and studying birds coupled with research is the foundation for my work.” –David Tomb

In his residency at the Palo Alto Art Center, self-proclaimed “bird nerd” and artist David Tomb shares his passion for birds in hopes of promoting conservation through art and science. In residencies at the Palo Alto Baylands, Tomb will engage community members of all ages in exploring and drawing birds and their habitats, particularly in response to King Tides. Tomb’s commitment to birds began in childhood, and now involves significant field research and travel, as well as studying and drawing bird skins in museum collections. His resulting installations feature painstakingly rendered bird illustrations with collage and mixed-media, found objects and even sound.

Creative Ecology is an innovative art and science residency program that promotes learning about and appreciation of the natural world through the creative process, engaging artists, art and science educators, and the larger community. A collaboration between the Palo Alto Art Center and the Junior Museum & Zoo, the program intends to showcase the similarities between artists and scientists and demonstrate how both use similar tools to experiment and learn about the world around them. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website