An Artwork for Owl Ridge Raptor Center

Some artworks begin with an idea in the studio.

This one began with an unexpected afternoon in Tennessee.

While travelling through the USA, my good friend Bill organised a visit to Owl Ridge Raptor Center, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned birds of prey.

His daughter, who is a veterinarian, had recently helped get an injured raptor into their care, which was how our visit came about.

I didn't arrive planning to create an artwork from it.

But that's usually how these things happen.

Meeting Thistle

There is something mysterious and almost magical about owls.

They're animals most of us have seen in photographs, books and films, but standing close enough to one to really study its face, feathers and personality is something completely different.

During our visit I met Thistle, one of Owl Ridge's beautiful barn owls.

There was something about her quiet presence that caught my attention.

I photographed her that day, along with the other incredible birds we met, and carried those photographs home with me to Australia.

I didn't know quite what I was going to do with them yet.

Then I heard about the fundraiser.

One week. One artwork. Back to Tennessee.

Bennett Gallery in Knoxville was preparing an art exhibition to raise money for Owl Ridge.

I wanted to be part of it.

By the time I arrived home in Australia, however, there wasn't exactly an abundance of time.

I essentially had one week to create an original artwork, finish it, package it and get it on a plane back to Tennessee in time for the exhibition.

So I chose Thistle.

Using the photographs I'd taken during my visit, I created an original watercolour and pen portrait of her.

And then off she went — Australia to Knoxville.

There was something I loved about that full circle.

I travelled halfway around the world, met this extraordinary little creature almost by chance, brought that experience home through my photographs, turned it into an artwork and then sent it all the way back to the place where the story began.

Art that can give something back

Owl Ridge is a small organisation doing work that matters enormously to the animals that come through its doors.

I hope Thistle can now do her little bit too.

The original artwork is available for $1,800 USD, with 100% of the money raised from the sale going directly to Owl Ridge Raptor Center to support the rescue, rehabilitation and care of birds of prey.

The Owl Ridge exhibition is being held at Bennett Gallery in Knoxville throughout September, Starting on the 11th ending September 26.

On September 12, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Owl Ridge's ambassador owls at the gallery.

If you're anywhere around Knoxville, go.

See the artwork, meet the birds and learn a little more about the people working behind the scenes to protect them.

Because there is something pretty special about knowing that an artwork inspired by one incredible bird might help another one get its second chance.

— Benzie