I am a senior at MassArt, majoring in Fashion Design. In my work I am very connected to nature, and try to use the most sustainable methods possible such as natural dying and organic fabrics.
For my project I would like to focus on the Superb Bird of Paradise. I found this bird especially interesting because if its low female population, and the courtship process that takes days, more often rejected by the female bird. I thought this was pretty ironic and funny. The male bird also takes two more years to mature than the female, which also made me laugh. Even the courtship dance of the male Superb Bird of Paradise is entertaining. After maturing, the male Superb Bird of Paradise can take up to 7 years to grow their courtship feathers.
I want to do an illustration that shows the comedy of the courtship, but also the portrayal of it. I want to make the illustration animated, showing the hopping courtship dance of the male while the female blows him off. I think that this aspect of comedy connects the audience to the species. I think this animal’s social behavior also makes us think of our own, and the irony in it. I think when people can relate to animal behavior, especially with a good laugh, that animal makes an impersonation that lasts.
