Meet the Finnish Illustrator Who is Obsessed with Birds

Saara Katariina Söderlund’s illustrations prove that birds of a feather, indeed, flock together. Describing herself as “a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and bird lady from Finland,” her fascination with birds translates into whimsical gouache paintings, full of pattern and movement.

Living in the countryside with her husband and two dogs, Söderlund can be seen running around with her binoculars and watching birds. “I love birdwatching, especially in spring when the migrating species arrive back to Finland,” she shared with Flow Magazine. “My favorite place to watch them is by the water, so I guess that’s why aquatic birds are the dearest to me, but actually I love all birds. I’m definitely a bird lady.”

“Birds are so fascinating,” she went on to explain. “There are so many different species, and the spectrum of colors, shapes, patterns, and sounds seems endless. I also find age-old mythologies behind birds interesting. In so many cultures they have been used as an explanation for countless questions.”

Take a closer look at some of her wonderful creations, inspired by what Söderlund sees through her window.

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Kuikka / Arctic loon / Gavia arctica

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