For many fortunate years I commuted to my job at LSU’s Department of Geography & Anthropology by bicycle along the City Park and University lakes. The journey, especially in the early morning, was captivating as I discovered the wide and rich variety of bird life inhabiting the lakes. The resident water and wading fowl became familiar friends and the various migratory species marked the changing seasons. These birds served as my muse and inspiration for countless drawings over the years.

This particular drawing, “The Birds of University Lake,” was created as a retirement gift for my colleague and friend, the late LSU Anthropology Professor Miles Richardson. Miles, too, often biked to work via the lakes and shared my affection for our feathered companions.

I always hope that my drawings will inspire viewers to look at and appreciate the beauty of nature around them. Now, by enlarging my birds to the size of a building, the Walls Project is enabling me to share my enthusiasm for the abundant environment of the lakes with all of Baton Rouge. I am very excited (and Miles would be, too)!