The Private World of Animals

“A good part of my professional life has been spent as a botanical and natural history illustrator. Upon close inspection the natural world reveals truths other than analytical ones,” wrote Adelaide Tyrol. “A random moment, fully recognized can embrace the spirit and lead us to a deeper understanding of life.” Fur & Feathers is an example of her approach to rendering the natural world.

Tyrol studied illustration at Eagle Hill Institute in Steuben, Maine, drew seabird colonies with artist John Busby in North Berwick in Scotland, and has made a career out of rendering the natural world. Since 2006, Tyrol has been the Arts Page Editor for Northern Woodlands Magazine, the magazine of the Center for Northern Woodlands Education in Corinth, Vermont. She has illustrated several books, including The Beginning Naturalist (New England Press, 1991), Aesop Award-winner Earth Tales From Around the World (Paw Prints, 2008), A Naturalist Indoors (Prentice-Hall, 2000), Vermont Life’s Guide to Fall Foliage (1984), and The Time Before New Hampshire (University of New Hampshire, 2004).

A drawing in Sumi-e ink on rice paper, Fur & Feathers shows off Adelaide Tyrol’s remarkable skill as a botanical and natural history illustrator. Ermines make their dens in tree stumps or hollow logs that they line with grasses and feathers. For all sorts of practical reasons, rarely are ermines photographed inside their nests. WithFur & Feathers, Tyrol allows us to go where we otherwise could not, into the private world of these fascinating animals.

"Menagerie: Animals in Art" is on view at West Branch Gallery Jan. 3rd - Mar. 29th. 

Follow West Branch Gallery on Artsy.