Known for being among the slowest of flying birds and for their massive shoe-like bill, these elusive giants can stand motionless for hours while waiting to strike their prey. Shoebills share a fascinating relationship with hippos—when hippos stir up the waters, they bring fish to the surface for an easy catch. Preferring to blend seamlessly into their swampy surroundings, their presence feels almost prehistoric when encountered.

Their conservation status is vulnerable, with habitat loss due to urban development and poaching as the primary threats.

As with much of my work, the final process involves carefully placing symbols that weave together cultures, objects, and moments in time. These clusters become my way of seeking balance—within the piece and within myself—in the midst of a chaotic world. The work becomes a visual prayer, distilling complexity into a hopeful narrative of harmony and connection.

Fleeting Utopia shines a light on shoebills: a call to witness both their strength and fragility, and a reminder that conservation efforts must be ongoing if species like these are to endure. The title alludes to the rapid disappearance of their habitat—an attempt to capture and immortalize an idyllic moment before it fades. My use of color honors their swampy freshwater habitats across parts of Africa—a vibrant continent layered with ancient traditions and rich cultural lineages.