Avoiding Unkindness

24 x 48

It is pretty common to hear the phrase "a murder of crows", but did you know that the collective noun for ravens is a "conspiracy" or an "unkindness"?

Corvids are so often associated with negativity, that I have chosen to characterize the moral rule of See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil with three ravens rather than the traditional three monkeys.

Many people interpret See, Hear, Speak No Evil to mean turning a blind eye to impropriety. But the Japanese proverb actually challenges the Three Wise Monkeys to adopt the qualities of good mind, speech and action.

I have adorned the three ravens with a bandana, headphones and a beaded cord to reflect a casual, good nature, and have titled this playful representation "Avoiding Unkindness"

This piece is part of the Penticton Mini Mural project and will be available by auction in October 2024