For one of the Fodder School 1 projects I undertook this year the challenge was to make an accordion style sketchbook. This gave me the perfect excuse to continue my exploration into symbolism and create another sketchbook, but also combining it with the techniques I’ve learned during fodder school. The Fodder school lessons to create an accordian style mixed media book were run by Roxanne Padgett.

In Roxanne’s class she suggested the motif of a dress, but I decided to utilise one of the symbols I have been exploring for my own symbolic language. The symbol I decided to focus on for this project is that of “The Pigeon”. Pigeons might seem like an unusual choice- they are seen as very mundane, dirty and even ‘rats of the sky’ in some circles. I however have come to associate the symbol of the pigeon to the notion of Resilience- which just so happens to be one of my core values.

The Pigeon for me symbolises a ‘protector’ part of my psyche (Look up Internal Family Systems to find out more about what this means.) It symbolises a calm, steady, repetitive and resilient part of myself that is often overlooked but essential to growth and survival. The pigeon symbolises persistence and consistency- two things that may seem very boring and mundane when trying to complete any goal, but are the foundations of success. One of the things that drew me to the symbol of the pigeon is how at first glance the pigeon seems like a very dull, grey, unappreciated bird, but when looked at closely this creature’s feathers are actually iridescent and quite beautiful. Pigeons, despite common beliefs, are actually very intelligent and talented birds.

“pigeons are actually highly intelligent animals that can remember faces, see the world in vivid colors, navigate complex routes, deliver news and even save lives.” – The Guardian Newspaper

To complete this project I used multiple techniques such as book making skills to create the book itself and its covers, collage, mixed media, hand made papers and slow stitching. I used vintage papers, maps, sewing pattern paper and large varieties of hand painted and hand printed papers that I have made throughout Fodder School 1 to create this book.

I have really enjoyed taking the time to make this book on Resilience, and hope that the symbol of the pigeon can continue to remind me to “persist, one step at a time, consistently towards my values.”