Through September 30th a collection of my watercolor paintings and field sketches of wildlife is up at the Blue Hill Library. This includes the glass cases in the Howard room, which show actual field journals and other inspiration from my creative process.
Where the Wild Things Are: Connections with our Fellow Beings in Sketch and Watercolor at the Blue Hill Public Library starting Thursday September 2nd and going through September 29th.
Michael Boardman says that he finds inspiration in wild places. “Where the wild things are. That’s what gets my creative spark going, places that are pristine enough to support communities of life that don’t walk around on two legs. Places where you can feel humbled and unimportant.”
For over 20 years he has field-sketched, drawn and painted animals from Baxter State Park to Eastern Africa. “Fortunate alignments” have allowed him to connect his artwork with science and conservation, such as artist residencies in Acadia National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska. These experiences have given him insight into the effects of climate change on wildlife populations. A recent artist residency in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has led to his art becoming a voice for protecting that endangered landscape from resource extraction.
Michael’s training as a Maine Master Naturalist gives him insight into the interconnected nature of wildlife and landscape, and this comes through in his work. A former resident of Blue Hill and graduate of the George Stevens Academy, Michael is looking forward to bringing his work back to where his muse began.
The show will be in the library’s Britton Gallery and Roland Howard Room, including the glass cases, available for viewing during library hours subject to the Howard Room schedule. For more information contact the library at 374-5515.