Convergence of Birds.

Book Review by Jane
I cannot remember when I heard of this book, because it took awhile for it to come in from the library. I have recently developed an interest in birds, especially domesticated ones, as I am contemplating owning a cockatiel when I get the space cleared and have the time. I had not heard of Joseph Cornell--an artist who lived from 1903 until 1972 and created boxes with bird themes. Judging from the pictures in this book of the artwork, they were interesting and in my (inartistic) opinion, they were upbeat and positive. Some were rustic, and some elegant.

I thought I would learn a little about this artist from these stories that were based on his works, but I came away from the stories feeling as if I must have missed something. For the most part, I thought there would be pieces of this artist in these stories, and if there were, I really missed the point. I guess I just have to chalk it up to artistic license and let it go. Standing away from that, the only story that I really got anything from was the last one. It was almost as depressing as the rest of the stories, but I think I got the deeper meanings and saw a tie between this magician and Joseph Cornell on the level that he had to leave this earth, passing the baton on to younger artists. I guess what I felt about the stories was that they did not match up with what I saw in the artwork of this man, who I admit I know nothing about, but who could be a better judge? Joseph Cornell’s artwork reflects, to me, a positive life force. I am not so sure that is what is portrayed in most of these stories.

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