Welcome to "The Mobbing Birds," a fictional short story documented across three chapters and three characters. The tale begins in the year 1901, where we meet our three protagonists, Laurens Bruce, Gillian Gordon, and B. K. Mills, who in the essence, are three archetypes of the art world. The art world itself is a fascinating experience for these three. They are the people that art rests in the hands of, who uphold a certain painting within the story as valuable.
And what might make this piece so valuable? Does it hold desire? Fulfillment? Or does it hold itself to the highest regard?
It is a juggling right of entitlement between these three, threaded together by the final painting of Xavier Randal, titled by the same name of the story. What is known about his final painting maintains a mystery in the end. Revelations that artists themselves view their work as something to just exist.
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All photography by Kayleigh Moreland
Beginning as a love and appreciation for illustration, “The Mobbing Birds” spoke into existence from vignettes. Different daily practices began to capture moments of time and express a sense of escapism.
Eventually the final story began to unfold through precise characterization and meaning in a short, descriptive piece of writing.
The Storybook
Hand painted with calligraphy ink on white Mingeishi paper
Part of exploring the story behind “The Mobbing Birds” was unpuzzling the motifs and metaphors behind the chapters. Fabric painting with dyes proved to be effective of creating expansive collaged pieces to pair with the pages.
The Mobbing Birds
Screen printed on Essex Linen, Embellished frame
Chapter I: Laurens Bruce
The Character Shoot
Team: Photos by Jacob Morgan, Styling Mia Bovarnick, Makeup Assist. Viridian Oracle, Video Jillian Snap, Hair Diana Dash, Wearing Vintage Vortex and Kenady Warrenal.
Vile Fear
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
The Eye of the Storm
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
Chapter II: Gillian Gordon
The Character Shoot
Team: Photos by Jacob Morgan, Styling Mia Bovarnick, Makeup Assist. Viridian Oracle, Video Jillian Snap, Hair Diana Dash, Wearing Vintage Vortex and Kenady Warrenal.
A Widow's Shrine
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
The Shape of the Devil
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
A House is not a Home
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
Gillian's Perfect Curtains
Screen printed yardage on canvas cotton. Print assembled from storybook.
The Defeat of Destruction
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
The Character Shoot
Team: Photos by Jacob Morgan, Styling Mia Bovarnick, Makeup Assist. Viridian Oracle, Video Jillian Snap, Hair Diana Dash, Wearing Vintage Vortex and Kenady Warrenal.
Chapter III: B.K. Mills
Set the Stage
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
The Red Cornucopia
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
Winner Takes All
Hand painted raw silk with Acid Dye, Deadstock tapestry backing, embroidery
