Hens in The Bluebell Woods (50x50cm)
**Words by Amber L-J**
Annually, the russet floor of the woodland is flooded with a sea of violet bluebells. In their most natural setting, they flourish and flower for humans and animals alike.
Where the woods thinned, a farm was awoken by the shrill crow of a small, white-feathered cockerel. The farmer sleepily approached the hen coop as the sun slowly climbed over the hills, bearing light on the locked door. Upon lifting the latch, the farmer was greeted excitedly by hungry hens. Once they were fed, the door was left open to endless possibilities before roosting at dusk.
On this day, one hen gingerly stepped onto the bluebell path. Inspired by one’s courage, the other hens trickled into the wood, clucking in low tones of caution. However, as they ventured further into the purple haze, the brood quickly fell silent.
The enchantment of the bluebell forest stole their voice, and caused the hens to pause in silent awe of their surroundings. The woodland air overwhelmed the senses with melodious bird calls and fragrant flowers.
As the hens continued, they could see an area in which the gleaming sunlight above was concealed by formidable, towering trees. Mistaking this as night-time, or risking danger ahead, many began to turn back. The first, brave hen marched to the edge, with only a few followers remaining. Looking at the path ahead, the hen glanced back to see the safety of the collective lingering behind her, unable to follow her into the darkness. Her unfledged desire to explore was quickly triumphed by the sensible majority.
Maybe tomorrow.
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‘Hens in the Bluebell Woods’ depicts small and vulnerable hens on an epic and potentially dangerous journey, hence their preference to remain as a collective.
Lisa Timmerman painted ‘Hens in the Bluebell Woods’ in acrylics on a deep box canvas in 2016, which she speaks about:
“[I] literally felt bad for scaring my lovely hens with those threatening woods! But you have to paint how you feel & some days are like this; There is light, I’m just never sure whether they’re walking towards it or away from it.”
In terms of an optical illusion, this painting asks the direction which the hens are moving, whether that be toward or away from the viewer. This is an often-debated question, as the painting appears to change each time you look at it.
Although the woods may appear malicious to some, it also has a magical feel to it with a soft but vibrant colour palette. It also has a white stream of light, as if the chickens have descended from, or are ascending to, an otherworldly origin. Featuring Lisa’s frequented subject matter, also known as her legendary ‘girls’, this painting emphasises a sense of journey and appears to inspire.
Hens in The Bluebell Woods: Interior Design Ideas
The original painting, ‘Hens in The Bluebell Woods’, is available to buy from Lisa Timmerman’s website.
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