b'Tara Louise HughesBirds of Conservation Concern, 2022Pyrography on plywood.This series is based on the latest assessment of the UKs Birds of Conservation Concern Report. The report shows how the status of the UKs bird populations continues to decline. The artworks show some of the birds that have recently moved from the green to the amber list. There are six portraits, including a Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk, Sedge Warbler, Rook, Common Whitethroat and Moorhen. Each portrait is burned onto a piece of wood with a pyrography pen. The wood was found in the back of a garage, and although it would probably be easier to use shop-bought wood, Tara decided not to contribute to the forestry trade, instead reusing found pieces of wood which is why each piece is slightly different and why none are particularly polished.Tara is a final year student pursuing a degree in illustration. Her work primarily focuses on wildlife illustration, specifically insects and other invertebrates as entomology is a personal passion.Instagram@taralouiseillustrationPortfoliohttps://www.taralouisehughesillustration.com'