I was inspired to create this painting when a female lesser goldfinch died after flying into a window of my home (I have since put up reflective decals to prevent further collisions). I heard a loud thud and ran out hoping to save the bird, but it was already dead. It was incredibly sad to witness the death of this beautiful, delicate bird. Around the time this happened, I read an article about thousands of birds being found dead in New Mexico with no obvious explanation, although later research/investigation determined the birds all showed signs of starvation. This made me think of our interconnection with all of Nature and the importance of honoring and caring for of all of nature. My contemplative egg tempera painting process mirrors this care. I used natural earth pigments mixed with fresh homemade egg medium and slowed down to identify with nature while building up thin layers over time to create the luminous surface of this portrait of life and death and ultimately a message about the importance of balance and compassion in life.