Morley Nelson: Vision of Species
Morley Nelson: Vision of Species
- Creator: Marcus Pierce
- Date: 2010
- Location: Morley Nelson Community Center
- Types: murals (any medium), paintings (visual works)
- Materials: acrylic paint, aluminum (metal), coating
- Collection: Site-Based Works
Morley Nelson was an avid raptor conservationist, falconer, and filmmaker. He was the driving force behind establish the National Conservation Area of Birds of Prey and played a key role in bringing the World Center for Birds of Prey here to Idaho. He thought of the raptors as his heroes and allowed himself to see the world through their eyes. These murals portray Nelson with his camera, the Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area, and the beautiful birds of prey. Vision is also a theme explored – in terms of a biological function, and the distinction between species, as well as vision in a more philosophical sense. Birds of prey have the world’s best vision and are able to see ultraviolet light waves; humans are virtually color blind in comparison. With proportionately enormous eyes, and 8 times the amount of photoreceptor cells in their retinas than humans, the acuity of raptors is tremendous. Not only was Nelson a man of vision, but he thoroughly understood the importance of communicating that vision to the world around him, so that real positive change could occur.
