H L Birdsong
@smidgeonpress.bsky.social
Artist, etc. in Portland, OR
(she/her/they/them)
https://heatherleebirdsong.com/news
• Dec 4–20, 2025: Holiday Group Show, Russo Lee Gallery, PDX
• Mar 2026: Russo Lee Gallery, PDX (solo)
(she/her/they/them)
https://heatherleebirdsong.com/news
• Dec 4–20, 2025: Holiday Group Show, Russo Lee Gallery, PDX
• Mar 2026: Russo Lee Gallery, PDX (solo)
What moved the needle on New Seasons’ agreeing to a contract is knowing the union had sufficient funds to weather a long strike during peak shopping time.
Stupid money spent on anti-union lawyers, obstruction, PR. And still their biggest bet was on workers’ financial desperation. Solidarity FTW.
Stupid money spent on anti-union lawyers, obstruction, PR. And still their biggest bet was on workers’ financial desperation. Solidarity FTW.
Strike Averted: New Seasons Grocery Workers Secure First Labor Contract
Just three weeks ago, Ava Robbins, cheese clerk at the New Seasons location in Concordia and co-chair of the New Season Labor Union, was preparing for a protracted, holiday-season strike. “A few month...
www.portlandmercury.com
December 20, 2025 at 9:13 PM
What moved the needle on New Seasons’ agreeing to a contract is knowing the union had sufficient funds to weather a long strike during peak shopping time.
Stupid money spent on anti-union lawyers, obstruction, PR. And still their biggest bet was on workers’ financial desperation. Solidarity FTW.
Stupid money spent on anti-union lawyers, obstruction, PR. And still their biggest bet was on workers’ financial desperation. Solidarity FTW.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Will they get to you by Christmas? Absolutely not, but I have calendars that have a postcard on the back of every perforated page that I can send to you by the new year.
www.pamwishbow.com/shop/p/2026-...
www.pamwishbow.com/shop/p/2026-...
December 20, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Will they get to you by Christmas? Absolutely not, but I have calendars that have a postcard on the back of every perforated page that I can send to you by the new year.
www.pamwishbow.com/shop/p/2026-...
www.pamwishbow.com/shop/p/2026-...
Loving the wave of unionizing at museums. Getting a contract is the hard part, of course—often stupidly convoluted by institutions helmed by the worst capitalists among us (multi-generational rich people who have never had to live paycheck to paycheck). May these workers meet with great success!
Workers at LACMA, the largest museum in the Western United States, voted to unionize. In a missive to the board, staff noted that salaries had failed to keep up with the rising cost of living in Los Angeles.
LACMA Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unionize
A whopping 96% of staff at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art voted in favor of a union, calling for higher pay and “increased transparency.”
hyperallergic.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Loving the wave of unionizing at museums. Getting a contract is the hard part, of course—often stupidly convoluted by institutions helmed by the worst capitalists among us (multi-generational rich people who have never had to live paycheck to paycheck). May these workers meet with great success!
So glad to hear that New Seasons Labor Union finally got their contract and are no longer asking supporters to boycott.
Every time I read about the super-basic asks that corporations fight against, I am gobsmacked.
www.nslu.org/strike-threa...
Every time I read about the super-basic asks that corporations fight against, I am gobsmacked.
www.nslu.org/strike-threa...
Strike threat secures industry-leading contract for New Seasons workers. - New Seasons Labor Union
www.nslu.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:35 PM
So glad to hear that New Seasons Labor Union finally got their contract and are no longer asking supporters to boycott.
Every time I read about the super-basic asks that corporations fight against, I am gobsmacked.
www.nslu.org/strike-threa...
Every time I read about the super-basic asks that corporations fight against, I am gobsmacked.
www.nslu.org/strike-threa...
Last week to check out the holiday show at Russo Lee~~
They hung mine next to a gorgeous piece by Samantha Yun Wall, which I love so, so much—I’m a huge fan of her work.
They hung mine next to a gorgeous piece by Samantha Yun Wall, which I love so, so much—I’m a huge fan of her work.
What Kind of Times Are These—a new painting in Flashe on panel—debuts in the holiday group show at Russo Lee Gallery here in Portland.
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
December 16, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Last week to check out the holiday show at Russo Lee~~
They hung mine next to a gorgeous piece by Samantha Yun Wall, which I love so, so much—I’m a huge fan of her work.
They hung mine next to a gorgeous piece by Samantha Yun Wall, which I love so, so much—I’m a huge fan of her work.
Working on some bigger pieces, and had to upgrade to an adequately-sized brush for filling in backgrounds. And buy more paint.
December 15, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Working on some bigger pieces, and had to upgrade to an adequately-sized brush for filling in backgrounds. And buy more paint.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
One week left! Submit your work to 2026 Pacific Northwest Drawers by next Friday, Dec 19 at 10:59 PM (PT). Photographers from Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington are welcome. There is no cost to apply.
Hit the link to learn more
www.blueskygallery.org/2026-pnwd-ca...
Hit the link to learn more
www.blueskygallery.org/2026-pnwd-ca...
December 12, 2025 at 7:29 PM
One week left! Submit your work to 2026 Pacific Northwest Drawers by next Friday, Dec 19 at 10:59 PM (PT). Photographers from Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington are welcome. There is no cost to apply.
Hit the link to learn more
www.blueskygallery.org/2026-pnwd-ca...
Hit the link to learn more
www.blueskygallery.org/2026-pnwd-ca...
A little bit of glow-in-the-dark in this one. I’m testing out a super matte base for mixing with charcoal powder (the black branches) and Blue Lit glow-in-the-dark pigment. It’s the first acrylic medium I’ve tried that is as matte as acryla-gouache and Flashe paints.
December 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
A little bit of glow-in-the-dark in this one. I’m testing out a super matte base for mixing with charcoal powder (the black branches) and Blue Lit glow-in-the-dark pigment. It’s the first acrylic medium I’ve tried that is as matte as acryla-gouache and Flashe paints.
Always interesting to see what the remaining paint on my palette comes to when smushed together and scraped into a jar (I always try to save it—paint’s expensive).
Somehow I seem to wind up with more left over when working in Acryla-gouache than Flashe or traditional gouache.
Somehow I seem to wind up with more left over when working in Acryla-gouache than Flashe or traditional gouache.
December 10, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Always interesting to see what the remaining paint on my palette comes to when smushed together and scraped into a jar (I always try to save it—paint’s expensive).
Somehow I seem to wind up with more left over when working in Acryla-gouache than Flashe or traditional gouache.
Somehow I seem to wind up with more left over when working in Acryla-gouache than Flashe or traditional gouache.
I mean… This is the strongest argument yet for why the City of Portland so badly needed to end the commission governance structure. I’m so sad and angry about the renters who should have been helped and were told there were no funds.
katu.com/news/investi...
katu.com/news/investi...
News of unspent millions in Portland Housing Bureau shocks city councilors and advocates
The revelation Portland’s Housing Bureau was sitting on roughly $20 million of unspent money shocked city leaders and advocates for renters, as city leaders now
katu.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:49 AM
I mean… This is the strongest argument yet for why the City of Portland so badly needed to end the commission governance structure. I’m so sad and angry about the renters who should have been helped and were told there were no funds.
katu.com/news/investi...
katu.com/news/investi...
I wish I had a proper studio right now. It’s challenging to work simultaneously on multiple large (for me) pieces when all I’ve got is a chunk of the living room in a one-bedroom condo.
I tend to make small work in water-based media because my workspace is small. It’s a practical thing.
I tend to make small work in water-based media because my workspace is small. It’s a practical thing.
December 6, 2025 at 1:14 AM
I wish I had a proper studio right now. It’s challenging to work simultaneously on multiple large (for me) pieces when all I’ve got is a chunk of the living room in a one-bedroom condo.
I tend to make small work in water-based media because my workspace is small. It’s a practical thing.
I tend to make small work in water-based media because my workspace is small. It’s a practical thing.
Nothing like draining the social battery at an event (major introvert here), falling asleep, getting woken up 3 hours later by a chirping smoke detector in want of a new battery (at least we had some!), and then laying awake for hours anxiously imagining worst-case scenarios. I am so tired.
December 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Nothing like draining the social battery at an event (major introvert here), falling asleep, getting woken up 3 hours later by a chirping smoke detector in want of a new battery (at least we had some!), and then laying awake for hours anxiously imagining worst-case scenarios. I am so tired.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
For those not in those circles, I just need to remind you that losing a job to AI is not a vibes based idea. We are being told explicitly by art directors that we are being weighed against AI for jobs, people on teams fighting against the AD and you. It sucks. It’s demoralizing.
December 4, 2025 at 9:05 PM
For those not in those circles, I just need to remind you that losing a job to AI is not a vibes based idea. We are being told explicitly by art directors that we are being weighed against AI for jobs, people on teams fighting against the AD and you. It sucks. It’s demoralizing.
Sent out my periodic (read: highly irregular) studio newsletter this morning. Give it a read:
mailchi.mp/e6d89997808f...
Sign up via my website if you want to get them (since social media mostly sucks for this sort of info): heatherleebirdsong.com/contact
mailchi.mp/e6d89997808f...
Sign up via my website if you want to get them (since social media mostly sucks for this sort of info): heatherleebirdsong.com/contact
Please join me at Russo Lee Gallery
mailchi.mp
December 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Sent out my periodic (read: highly irregular) studio newsletter this morning. Give it a read:
mailchi.mp/e6d89997808f...
Sign up via my website if you want to get them (since social media mostly sucks for this sort of info): heatherleebirdsong.com/contact
mailchi.mp/e6d89997808f...
Sign up via my website if you want to get them (since social media mostly sucks for this sort of info): heatherleebirdsong.com/contact
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Our friends at @birdallianceoregon.bsky.social put together this fast & easy invitation so Portlanders can thank their district councilors for protecting parks this year. As PGE tries to repackage their attack on Forest Park, councilors need to hear from you. Click thru:
t.e2ma.net/message/3eh9...
t.e2ma.net/message/3eh9...
December 1, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Our friends at @birdallianceoregon.bsky.social put together this fast & easy invitation so Portlanders can thank their district councilors for protecting parks this year. As PGE tries to repackage their attack on Forest Park, councilors need to hear from you. Click thru:
t.e2ma.net/message/3eh9...
t.e2ma.net/message/3eh9...
What Kind of Times Are These—a new painting in Flashe on panel—debuts in the holiday group show at Russo Lee Gallery here in Portland.
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
December 1, 2025 at 8:27 PM
What Kind of Times Are These—a new painting in Flashe on panel—debuts in the holiday group show at Russo Lee Gallery here in Portland.
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
Opening: First Thursday
Dec. 4, 5–7 PM
russoleegallery.com/exhibitions/...
“The curators had a whole birth canal of wall space with which to explain the historical and political machinations that would explain why she came to be executed (i.e. the background to that little thing called the Revolution). Do we get it? Nope.” Pure gold, that bit.
At the Victoria and Albert Museum’s new show on Marie Antoinette, the lack of historical artifact about the late Queen’s true self is compounded by a reluctance to include any sociopolitical background. When focusing on style, who needs to hear about nasty old revolutionary history anyway?
Who Was Marie Antoinette Beneath All That Silk and Spectacle?
History has never really known her as a person, and that isn’t about to change here.
hyperallergic.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:26 PM
“The curators had a whole birth canal of wall space with which to explain the historical and political machinations that would explain why she came to be executed (i.e. the background to that little thing called the Revolution). Do we get it? Nope.” Pure gold, that bit.
Literal book weights! I left these Yupo sheets rolled for too long and need them to relax before I can work with them. A random sampling of dense tomes from my myth and folklore bookcase to the rescue!
November 30, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Literal book weights! I left these Yupo sheets rolled for too long and need them to relax before I can work with them. A random sampling of dense tomes from my myth and folklore bookcase to the rescue!
Reposted by H L Birdsong
On this day, Indigenous people and allies confront the settler-colonial narratives of “Thanksgiving,” observing it instead as a National Day of Mourning.
November 27, 2025 at 3:12 PM
On this day, Indigenous people and allies confront the settler-colonial narratives of “Thanksgiving,” observing it instead as a National Day of Mourning.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Slop Evader is a tool from artist and researcher Tega Brain that lets you search the web for results exclusively before November 30, 2022—the day that ChatGPT was released to the public.
'Slop Evader' Lets You Surf the Web Like It’s 2022
Artist Tega Brain is fighting the internet’s enshittification by turning back the clock to before ChatGPT existed.
www.404media.co
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Slop Evader is a tool from artist and researcher Tega Brain that lets you search the web for results exclusively before November 30, 2022—the day that ChatGPT was released to the public.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
I can't offer a sale this year at my Etsy, but Inprnt is having a sale! My art is ready for you to take home as stocking stuffers and gifts. Shop small this year and support the creatives you love whether that is me, or someone else!
🎁 www.samanthamash.etsy.com
🎁 www.inprnt.com/gallery/samanthamash
🎁 www.samanthamash.etsy.com
🎁 www.inprnt.com/gallery/samanthamash
November 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
I can't offer a sale this year at my Etsy, but Inprnt is having a sale! My art is ready for you to take home as stocking stuffers and gifts. Shop small this year and support the creatives you love whether that is me, or someone else!
🎁 www.samanthamash.etsy.com
🎁 www.inprnt.com/gallery/samanthamash
🎁 www.samanthamash.etsy.com
🎁 www.inprnt.com/gallery/samanthamash
Frankly, everyone at the administrative level is guilty of wage theft from the workers who actually keep the museum running—art handlers, registrars, janitors, visitor services, etc. Suda gave herself raises and did a $250k rebrand while fighting against living wages for her colleagues.
After former Philadelphia Art Museum Director Sasha Suda accused the museum of unlawful termination, they’re countering with their own legal filing, alleging that Suda misappropriated museum funds to give herself a salary bump.
Philadelphia Art Museum Accuses Former Director of Theft
After Alexandra Suda accused the museum of wrongful termination, the institution said she misappropriated funds to increase her salary.
hyperallergic.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Frankly, everyone at the administrative level is guilty of wage theft from the workers who actually keep the museum running—art handlers, registrars, janitors, visitor services, etc. Suda gave herself raises and did a $250k rebrand while fighting against living wages for her colleagues.
Reposted by H L Birdsong
Books with Pictures is an irreplaceable part of the comics community! www.gofundme.com/f/keep-books...
Keep Books with Pictures Alive: Donate Now, organized by Katie Pryde
Dear friends: I need your help.
I’m proud of everything Books with Pictures… Katie Pryde needs your support for Keep Books with Pictures Alive: Donate Now
www.gofundme.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Books with Pictures is an irreplaceable part of the comics community! www.gofundme.com/f/keep-books...
Yes! I would love to see The Met staffed by a unionized workforce!
Workers at The Met are trying to unionize, citing “long-term pay inequities, lack of job protection, and ever-increasing workloads.” If they succeed, their union would be one of the largest museum unions in the US.
Met Museum Workers Push to Unionize
Staffers at the New York City institution have filed a petition for a union vote with the National Labor Relations Board.
hyperallergic.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Yes! I would love to see The Met staffed by a unionized workforce!
Just called a company’s customer service number and an actual human answered—no phone tree, no uncanny “service voice” robot, no pre-recorded message. It was so nice and easy. I feel like I fell into an alternative (better) universe for a minute.
November 16, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Just called a company’s customer service number and an actual human answered—no phone tree, no uncanny “service voice” robot, no pre-recorded message. It was so nice and easy. I feel like I fell into an alternative (better) universe for a minute.