SEARCHING FOR AN OWL IN TOMMY THOMPSON

WELCOME

(disclaimer for the bad photos: All the photos were taken by my nose since my gloves weren't sensitive to my screen)

I didn’t think that I’ll start with such a strong statement but it was a kinda melancholic feeling to me walking in the park at that time of the year. Maybe because of the shadowless cloudy day which makes the ground and sky the same colour or maybe it was because there were just two of us on that cold and endless white-cream planet. I am not sure but we were in that quiet sepia landscape to search for something white and small with blazing yellow eyes behind the trees.

One of the greatest joys for me in the past few months has been exploring the parks in Ontario. From birdwatching to hiking and photographing, each adventure has been filled with wonder and discovery.

As soon as we started the path my eyes met with a common reed which will come home with me later. It's no exaggeration to say that I've had an obsession with collecting things from nature for as long as I can remember. Exploring nature is immensely enjoyable, whether alone or with a companion. When you're by yourself, it connects you not only with the natural world but also with your inner self. And other thoughts that are randomly come and go but there is always something to focus on. And when you're with a partner, it offers the freedom to engage in deep conversations or simply enjoy each other's company in silence.

What I'm collecting depends on the geography I'm in. Seashells, sands, rocks, earth, leaves, buds... Now I tend to collect leaves and plants more, perhaps as a result of my subject of study.

While searching for the owl, we stumbled upon a group of white, fluffy swans bustling about. Their high-pitched, muffled calls captivated my attention, echoing across the lake and drawing me into the moment. It was a stark contrast to the quietness we had experienced on the peninsula, with only the sound of our own footsteps for company.I felt hypnotized by listening to their sound.

I always perceived swans as calm creatures, but this moment completely shattered that preconceived notion in my mind.



It was getting dark and we were getting cold and tired. It was fair enough to not be able to find the snowy owl at this huge park but I was satisfied enough with the plants I collected and I've already placed them at the corner of my studio.

Hope to come in another season again and see the park in different colours.

Thank you for reading!