Inspired by the artist's son who was involved in re-introducing bald eagles to the Ventana region of northern California, this book is a personal exploration of the natural history of the area using the artist's own medium of handmade papers. Paper made using local materials are included as specimen pages alongside text describing the plants and rocks that were used in the papermaking. Additional information about the eagles and the re-habitation project is also included. The cover of the book is made from a combination of philodendron and abaca fibers, resulting in a strong, heavily textured, brown and cream colored paper. Front and back flyleaves are made from marbled paper, and marbled paper is also inside the portfolio style wrapper. The book is bound with a five-hole Japanese stab binding. The inside of the portfolio wrapper has the following text, explaining the materials used: "Ventana Hide Covers: The cover paper takes advantage of the different shrinkage rates of fibers. To obtain this particular texture and color contrastk, I used high shrinkage Philodendron (P. selloum) fiber over low shrinkage Abaca (MUSA textilis) fiber. The sheets were formed independently and then pressed together. Book Construction: The cotton and linen thread used in the handsewing was dyed to compliment the color of the Philodendron fiber. The type of format is based on the oriental style of handsewn books. I adapted it to fit my design. The Folder: The paper in this folder is Stonehenge Cream. I made the markings in a freeform pattern to symbolize the free flight of the young Eagles. I used acrylic pigments to make the pattern. the paper is Rives Lightweight Buff.", Signed by the artist
Includes title panels Shooting mountain sheep from an ambush; Only Aleuts can fish here; Climbing to the aery of an American eagle; Nearby dinner for young eagles; and A joker somewhere the rest never humped and rolled like this.
1. Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus. About 2 feet high. Wingspread 6-7 feet. Has 1-3 young in a brood. Eats animals, birds, fish and reptiles. Our national emblem. Habitat is wooded areas, usually near water. Nest is huge mass of sticks in a tree or on a pinnacle of rock. Forestry Story - This mountainous area is a tree farm. Tree farms are privately owned forestlands. Their owners agree to grow and harvest timber in repeated crops to help provide a permanent supply of wood for America.