In 1994 Bob Farrelly,
of PRWAS, called again to have us create a piece for Simon Combes,
of England (formerly of Kenya). It was unprecedented that they
called upon the same artist twice. We were pleased but in a predicament
as to subject matter for we had never met Simon.
Lindsay Scott (another
incredible artist) helped us out with the suggestion of a Lilac Breasted Roller, which is native to Kenya
where Simon grew up. At this time he was making extensive trips
to Kenya. We knew nothing of the roller so we did a field trip
to Lindsay and Brians in Ventura, CA then to the Santa
Barbara Zoo to study the specimen in their aviary.
Due to health issues
we were unable to attend the 1994 PRWAS so we missed our opportunity
to meet Simon. The summer of 2002 found Simon in southern Oregon
at a gallery show. We paraded ourselves in and eight years later
we finally met Simon and his Fiancée - we caught him off
guard which is fun for us but terribly unpleasant when on the
other end!
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