VESSEL, by Isabelle Truchon, black & white numbered print, In Flight Collection, taken at The Tualatin River Refuge, in Oregon. Inquire Here
When I started conceptualizing my In Flight series in 2022, I couldn’t have anticipated the profound parallels it would draw with the evolution of my own life.
Migratory birds have always captivated me, especially the sight of flocks flying across the sky. Over the past 20 years, I’ve lived mostly in rural areas where birds abound, particularly Canada geese. While many see them as a nuisance, I quickly grew to admire their presence—their stoic demeanor, protective instincts, and soothing calls. Watching their fluid V-formations evolve in flight fills me with wonder. When I hear their calls, I instinctively stop, look up, and try to pinpoint their direction. And when they finally appear, I feel a deep sense of joy, standing still to watch them soar until they dissipate into thin air.
I often ponder their journey: Where they may be heading, to which pond or land field, or territory? Based on their direction, I imagine their destinations. Sometimes, the flocks are small—just five or six geese. Other times, they’re numerous, with 50, 60, or even 90 birds flying in perfect harmony. Occasionally, I witness two flocks merging seamlessly into one, a mesmerizing dance of coordination. Their V-formations, constantly shifting and evolving, are living sculptures in the sky. The geese take turns leading, their calls echoing as if to announce, Look at us! Up here, we glide in freedom, while you below toil in your small, earthbound lives.
Sometimes, the subtlest of things strike the deepest chords. For me, one of those things is the sound of the wings as they flap against the air. Have you ever heard this beautiful sound? The methodical “swish, swish, swish” not unlike the rustling of autumn leaves, or the sound of a baby breathing when in a deep sleep, the sound of wind against wing is absolutely memorizing, and makes my inside flutter with glee.
Oddly enough, I credit my dog Ilus, for deepening my appreciation for geese and for inspiring me to bring this experience to the next level. As a young pup, this intelligent and loving Pudelpointer, would instinctively lift his head in wonder at the sight of the birds flying overhead. He sparked with interest more than usual whenever he heard the calls of flying Canada geese, his excitement was palpable. He’d freeze, his back leg trembling, eyes scanning the sky. Once the geese appeared, he’d watch intently before barking and leaping, as if eager to join their flight or to intercept their landing. Observing Ilus taught me to share his awe—to marvel at the unity and determination of these creatures, each flying independently yet working together as a whole unit, a flock, a family.
Beyond the geese themselves, the skies they traverse hold equal fascination for me. Each season paints a unique backdrop: the dramatic oranges and purples of early fall in the Pacific Northwest, the crisp pinks of spring mornings, the heavy grays of winter’s moody skies, and the bright cerulean blues of summer. These skies transform the birds’ flight into a living canvas, the colors and textures amplifying their grace. No matter where I am in the world,I witness flocks of geese, or some sub-species of them, flying above, framed by ever-changing skies, each moment a fleeting masterpiece, yet still, offering a special sense of grounding.
And these are the many reasons I love to paint them.
My In Flight series captures not just the birds but the emotions they evoke—their freedom, their resilience, and the beauty of their journey. Even as I write these words, cozy in bed with my morning coffee, I’m serenaded by a flock of Canada geese taking flight. Without seeing them, I know by their calls that they’re leaving the pond nearby and heading to the wheat field across town. It’s a perfect moment to reflect on these magnificent creatures and the joy they bring.
Soon, I too will take flight. Like the geese, I’ll spread my wings and follow my own North Star into new horizons. The exhilaration of change, the promise of new skies, and the magic of what’s to come fill me with anticipation. I am migrating to Canada, like a Canada goose returning home, to where it all started. Just as the geese trust the wind and their instincts, I trust the journey ahead; the forms, shapes, textures and evolution that is sure to transpire in this next chapter of my beautiful and magical life.
