Ornithology c. 1980

"Ornithology," created by Stella Waitzkin (1920–2003) around 1980, is a mixed media sculpture that depicts three birds perched atop a stack of weathered books. The composition, with its subtle interplay of natural and man-made elements, invites viewers to consider the interconnectedness of knowledge, nature, and the passage of time. Waitzkin's use of distressed and aged materials, including the books themselves, creates a sense of history and contemplation. This piece, a prime example of her artistic approach, exemplifies the artist's signature use of found objects to explore themes of memory and ephemerality.