H L Birdsong
@smidgeonpress.bsky.social
Artist, etc. in Portland, OR
(she/her/they/them)
https://heatherleebirdsong.com/news
• Mar 2026: Russo Lee Gallery, PDX (solo)
(she/her/they/them)
https://heatherleebirdsong.com/news
• Mar 2026: Russo Lee Gallery, PDX (solo)
Pinned
Finished! I still need to title, sign, date, assign an inventory number (all written on back), enter it into my database, and document it in normal and low light—but the hard part’s done. Flashe on translucent YUPO, 38 x 25 inches.
See this and its two companions at Russo Lee Gallery in March!
See this and its two companions at Russo Lee Gallery in March!
We have a chance to push this over the line, to establish dedicated Oregon funds for the recovery and conservation of species and habitats—and wildfire prevention. A demonstration of public support could make a huge difference.
TAKE ACTION! 1.25% for Wildlife (HB 4134) would create a sustainable funding source to protect Oregon’s most imperiled wildlife and habitats. Contact the House Revenue Committee by Feb. 4 and ask them to support this once-in-a-generation opportunity. birdallianceoregon.org/take-action/...
Urgent: Tell OR Representatives to Support 1.25% for Wildlife (HB 4134)!
Now is our first chance in the legislative session to urge our representatives to vote “yes” on HB 4134 - 1.25% for Wildlife Bill! Please ask members of the House Revenue Committee to support HB 4134,...
birdallianceoregon.org
February 2, 2026 at 9:01 PM
We have a chance to push this over the line, to establish dedicated Oregon funds for the recovery and conservation of species and habitats—and wildfire prevention. A demonstration of public support could make a huge difference.
There’s often a moment when I’m painting where the figure (abstract portrayal of a person) is like a ghost, barely discernible as separate from the scenery. I always like this moment.
If it wasn’t for the masking tape (a non-archival material), I’d be tempted to leave it.
If it wasn’t for the masking tape (a non-archival material), I’d be tempted to leave it.
February 1, 2026 at 11:34 PM
There’s often a moment when I’m painting where the figure (abstract portrayal of a person) is like a ghost, barely discernible as separate from the scenery. I always like this moment.
If it wasn’t for the masking tape (a non-archival material), I’d be tempted to leave it.
If it wasn’t for the masking tape (a non-archival material), I’d be tempted to leave it.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
i will forgive a great many sins from mediocore-to-bad tv shows & movies if they are shot well enough and have a few interesting lookin actors. strong lighting that helps describe rather than hide forms is so much more fun to look at & draw than the washed out crap produced on greenscreen heavy sets
February 1, 2026 at 10:43 AM
i will forgive a great many sins from mediocore-to-bad tv shows & movies if they are shot well enough and have a few interesting lookin actors. strong lighting that helps describe rather than hide forms is so much more fun to look at & draw than the washed out crap produced on greenscreen heavy sets
My favorite “person reading” paintings are by Gwen John
Gwen John, Girl Reading at a Window, 1911
https://botfrens.com/collections/14377/contents/1135419
https://botfrens.com/collections/14377/contents/1135419
February 1, 2026 at 7:24 AM
My favorite “person reading” paintings are by Gwen John
Working out values in Flashe. Matte paints like this look different wet v. dry (especially re: value), so this is generally the most tedious part of my process. Mix, paint swatch, wait for it to dry, compare; repeat as needed. Pray I mixed enough, because re-mixing to match takes 3x longer.
January 31, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Working out values in Flashe. Matte paints like this look different wet v. dry (especially re: value), so this is generally the most tedious part of my process. Mix, paint swatch, wait for it to dry, compare; repeat as needed. Pray I mixed enough, because re-mixing to match takes 3x longer.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
I’m going to be shutting my shop down for the day and providing links to places where you can put your money instead.
Do what you can, keep pushing
Do what you can, keep pushing
January 30, 2026 at 4:07 AM
I’m going to be shutting my shop down for the day and providing links to places where you can put your money instead.
Do what you can, keep pushing
Do what you can, keep pushing
For anyone even remotely interested in Bertha Morisot, or the Impressionists in general, or how women navigate being artists, I recommend Anne Higonnet’s biography of the artist. I read it in my early 20s and revisit it periodically. I’m on my 3rd or 4th copy because I keep giving them to people.
An exhibition at the Legion of Honor sets out to rescue Berthe Morisot from the assumption that she was under Manet’s influence, but it’s far from academic or revisionist. After seeing their work compared and contrasted, the word that comes immediately to mind is “pleasure.”
Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot Meet as Equals
An exhibition sets out to rescue Morisot from the assumption that she was under Manet’s influence, but it's far from academic or revisionist.
hyperallergic.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:49 AM
For anyone even remotely interested in Bertha Morisot, or the Impressionists in general, or how women navigate being artists, I recommend Anne Higonnet’s biography of the artist. I read it in my early 20s and revisit it periodically. I’m on my 3rd or 4th copy because I keep giving them to people.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
An amendment that would have prevented ICE from deporting US Citizens was *removed* from the Bill that has passed the House.
🚨 The Senate has the power to restrict the additional *$10 billion* in funding for ICE.
Sharing this again. Thank you to those who have made one or multiple calls.
🚨 The Senate has the power to restrict the additional *$10 billion* in funding for ICE.
Sharing this again. Thank you to those who have made one or multiple calls.
You want to stop funding ICE, the Senate can do that. Government funding runs out on *January 30th* This is a moment to hold
them accountable.
Currently there are just calls to require agents to display IDs and unmask.
I don’t think ICE should get any money until they stop terrorizing people.
them accountable.
Currently there are just calls to require agents to display IDs and unmask.
I don’t think ICE should get any money until they stop terrorizing people.
January 28, 2026 at 6:48 PM
An amendment that would have prevented ICE from deporting US Citizens was *removed* from the Bill that has passed the House.
🚨 The Senate has the power to restrict the additional *$10 billion* in funding for ICE.
Sharing this again. Thank you to those who have made one or multiple calls.
🚨 The Senate has the power to restrict the additional *$10 billion* in funding for ICE.
Sharing this again. Thank you to those who have made one or multiple calls.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Even the idea that application fees “filter out the unserious” collapses under scrutiny. The ability to gamble on rejection has nothing to do with seriousness. It has to do with liquidity. buff.ly/KDdZcfi
January 25, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Even the idea that application fees “filter out the unserious” collapses under scrutiny. The ability to gamble on rejection has nothing to do with seriousness. It has to do with liquidity. buff.ly/KDdZcfi
On a fundamental level, the tech industry runs on uncritical celebration of their perceived genius. Artists tend to engage critically and ask hard questions. This is anathema to the slick, hype-beast marketing ethos on which tech companies rise and fall.
News of the abrupt closure of the California College of the Arts and its acquisition by Vanderbilt University sent shockwaves through the Bay Area community. But we shouldn’t be surprised that San Francisco’s tech titans didn't step in to save it.
San Francisco's Tech Billionaires Don't Care About Your Art School
Behind the closure of the California College of the Arts is a widening wealth disparity that is now taking on national dimensions.
hyperallergic.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:22 PM
On a fundamental level, the tech industry runs on uncritical celebration of their perceived genius. Artists tend to engage critically and ask hard questions. This is anathema to the slick, hype-beast marketing ethos on which tech companies rise and fall.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
tonight's quick study
January 20, 2026 at 8:48 AM
tonight's quick study
I love Brenda Mallory’s work (and her as a person, too). Always delighted when I see her name, art, and/or face appear on my screen
January 19, 2026 at 1:16 AM
I love Brenda Mallory’s work (and her as a person, too). Always delighted when I see her name, art, and/or face appear on my screen
A little slice of good news. May contract negations not be riddled with anti-worker fuckery. Directors and board trustees too often forget that they’re dealing with colleagues, essential workers in the institutions they claim to love—many of whom are also artists. All deserve fair compensation.
January 16, 2026 at 8:34 PM
A little slice of good news. May contract negations not be riddled with anti-worker fuckery. Directors and board trustees too often forget that they’re dealing with colleagues, essential workers in the institutions they claim to love—many of whom are also artists. All deserve fair compensation.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Pro tip: If you’re an introvert you can call after hours and leave a voicemail.
😁
😁
You want to stop funding ICE, the Senate can do that. Government funding runs out on *January 30th* This is a moment to hold
them accountable.
Currently there are just calls to require agents to display IDs and unmask.
I don’t think ICE should get any money until they stop terrorizing people.
them accountable.
Currently there are just calls to require agents to display IDs and unmask.
I don’t think ICE should get any money until they stop terrorizing people.
January 16, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Pro tip: If you’re an introvert you can call after hours and leave a voicemail.
😁
😁
This series is taking longer than I planned (typical, alas). But I’m seeing the home stretch: just need to paint in the polygon figure and fill out the foreground foliage. (“Just” haha—as if I can do that in one sitting.) Having to take breaks to stretch my hand and fingers.
January 16, 2026 at 12:36 AM
This series is taking longer than I planned (typical, alas). But I’m seeing the home stretch: just need to paint in the polygon figure and fill out the foreground foliage. (“Just” haha—as if I can do that in one sitting.) Having to take breaks to stretch my hand and fingers.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
It is a winter sale! Help me clear out some stock and get 25% off all prints, stickers, and even an original painting. Low national and international shipping rates on all flat items (can't say the same about originals, so sorry!)
No code needed🧡
Sale runs until next week!
samanthamash.etsy.com
No code needed🧡
Sale runs until next week!
samanthamash.etsy.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:17 PM
It is a winter sale! Help me clear out some stock and get 25% off all prints, stickers, and even an original painting. Low national and international shipping rates on all flat items (can't say the same about originals, so sorry!)
No code needed🧡
Sale runs until next week!
samanthamash.etsy.com
No code needed🧡
Sale runs until next week!
samanthamash.etsy.com
An over-sized capital campaign project tanked them (it happens often enough that it’s ridiculous how many vulnerable institutions gamble on this route), and they—an art school—partnered with Nvidia to add AI throughout their curriculum in a desperate bid to scrape up more millions? Ick.
January 14, 2026 at 6:34 AM
An over-sized capital campaign project tanked them (it happens often enough that it’s ridiculous how many vulnerable institutions gamble on this route), and they—an art school—partnered with Nvidia to add AI throughout their curriculum in a desperate bid to scrape up more millions? Ick.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
A petition to save the WPA murals inside the Wilbur J. Cohen Building in DC (which the GSA has put up for sale) now has almost 7,000 signatures.
Murals are by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, Richmond Barthé, Ethel and Jenne Magafan, among others.
www.change.org/p/save-the-w...
Murals are by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, Richmond Barthé, Ethel and Jenne Magafan, among others.
www.change.org/p/save-the-w...
Sign the Petition
Save the Wilbur J. Cohen Building — the “Sistine Chapel of the New Deal”
www.change.org
January 12, 2026 at 8:34 PM
A petition to save the WPA murals inside the Wilbur J. Cohen Building in DC (which the GSA has put up for sale) now has almost 7,000 signatures.
Murals are by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, Richmond Barthé, Ethel and Jenne Magafan, among others.
www.change.org/p/save-the-w...
Murals are by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, Seymour Fogel, Richmond Barthé, Ethel and Jenne Magafan, among others.
www.change.org/p/save-the-w...
Reposted by H L Birdsong
This Saturday, 1/10, join lead curator Theo Downes-Le Guin for an exhibition walkthough of A Larger Reality: Ursula K. Le Guin at Oregon Contemporary. The walkthough will be followed by a Q&A and community reading featuring selections from Changing Planes.
www.oregoncontemporary.org/a-larger-rea...
www.oregoncontemporary.org/a-larger-rea...
January 8, 2026 at 7:44 PM
This Saturday, 1/10, join lead curator Theo Downes-Le Guin for an exhibition walkthough of A Larger Reality: Ursula K. Le Guin at Oregon Contemporary. The walkthough will be followed by a Q&A and community reading featuring selections from Changing Planes.
www.oregoncontemporary.org/a-larger-rea...
www.oregoncontemporary.org/a-larger-rea...
Who knew a suddenly dead keyboard could cause so many problems? Wireless tech is such a pain in the ass.
January 9, 2026 at 7:24 AM
Who knew a suddenly dead keyboard could cause so many problems? Wireless tech is such a pain in the ass.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
(some Demian DineYazhi' stuff)
NURTURE RESISTANCE! LOVE REVOLUTION! — Mullowney Printing Company
Screen-printed t-shirts featuring designs by Demian DinéYazhi' . Made in residence at Mullowney Printing, DinéYazhi ’s Protect the Sacred Voice series utilizes text statements and phrases liberate...
www.mullowneyprinting.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:32 PM
(some Demian DineYazhi' stuff)
Reposted by H L Birdsong
1st drawing of the new year is of @smidgeonpress.bsky.social for the 16th year running. still the only new year tradition i care about
January 2, 2026 at 12:22 AM
1st drawing of the new year is of @smidgeonpress.bsky.social for the 16th year running. still the only new year tradition i care about
For new year’s eve, I always make prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with chèvre and marcona almonds with a balsamic vinegar and honey reduction. Seems fancy (ok, a couple of the ingredients are), tastes fantastic, requires almost zero culinary skill, tastes amazing. I love having our own traditions.
January 1, 2026 at 8:25 AM
For new year’s eve, I always make prosciutto-wrapped dates stuffed with chèvre and marcona almonds with a balsamic vinegar and honey reduction. Seems fancy (ok, a couple of the ingredients are), tastes fantastic, requires almost zero culinary skill, tastes amazing. I love having our own traditions.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Max Beckmann, Happy New Year, 1917
January 1, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Max Beckmann, Happy New Year, 1917
Reposted by H L Birdsong
i miss furtively drawing rando strangers in cafés. was looking for something on an account i don't follow and this random person's icon was in the "suggested" bar on their feed. sketched the profile pic quickly without actually clicking on their account so it almost felt like drawing in a café
December 30, 2025 at 10:16 AM
i miss furtively drawing rando strangers in cafés. was looking for something on an account i don't follow and this random person's icon was in the "suggested" bar on their feed. sketched the profile pic quickly without actually clicking on their account so it almost felt like drawing in a café