Unfolding the Future of Her Past

Surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's understandable why artist Tammy Boland relates so closely with the natural beauty of the landscape.

After painting on traditional canvas for several years, Boland began applying her nature illustrations to other backdrops, including saw blades, sand dollars, leather and more. However, it wasn't until after attending a wildlife show with her father that she found her artistic calling.

"I discovered the art of painting on turkey feathers with my dad at a National Wild Turkey Federation convention," Boland says. "I'm not sure who was amazed the most, me or my dad! He encouraged me to try it. But it wasn't until after his passing that I decided to pursue the challenge."

With feathers donated from friends and relatives, she honored her father with her first painting of a scene from his hometown, The Velvet Leaves of Cassia.

"Painting on feathers can be daunting," explains Boland.

"First, the feathers must be carefully washed and dried. Then the challenges of space limitation, balancing the paint to allow the feather's texture to show through and working on a non-stationary target begin. A feather's not totally flat ... and they move. Therefore, I've found that the right surface preparation is essential."

Each of Boland's painted feathers features a nature theme with a related story.

The artist explains, "My adrenaline begins to flow each time I envision a new scene and somehow each scene seems to bring memories of a time gone by. I like to imagine how each of my paintings may share a bit of my own memories of the past, thankfulness for present day blessings and excitement for the future with others."