Victoria Restrepo: Walking Among Birds

Hummingbirds are one of Victoria's favorite art subjects

“Your children can see the duendes (little spirits) of the forest.” That is what a local guide told Victoria Restrepo during one of her trips to the natural park of Los Nevados, in the Colombian Andes. She knew the guide was referring to the personification of the mystery and respect that locals have for their native land. Victoria had taken her four young children to this remote place, determined to teach them to appreciate the biodiversity of her homeland. She also took her camera to document the wonders of places and animals she had not seen before.

This kind of excursions might sound a bit crazy, especially given that they took place during the times of Colombia’s internal conflict. Most people would not venture far from the cities out of fear. However, it was nothing unusual for Victoria. During her childhood and teenage years, she traveled with her parents to those fascinating places where no regular tourist dared to go. It then became her mission to take her own children to explore the beauty of the jungles, mountains, islands and rivers of Colombia.

Victoria (Vicky) Restrepo comes from a long line of explorers and artists. Vicky's great-great grandfather was a French explorer that wanted to share his experience visiting exotic places in Latin America by making daguerreotypes and printing pieces for exhibits in his homeland. He then moved to Jamaica and taught his children to enjoy and keep records of the natural beauty of the island. This passion passed from one generation to the next, and from Jamaica to the most unexplored places in Colombia.

Victoria grew up in her grandfather’s photography lab and brought a camera everywhere she went – including her high school classroom. She studied fine arts in Colombia and photography at the Boston School of Photography. Almost twenty years ago, she moved to Maryland to raise her children. Even though she always taught them about Colombia, one day her little girl asked her if Bucaramanga was a kind of food. That’s when Victoria felt the urgency to strengthen her children’s connection with Colombia and bring them with her to explore the magical land where she was born.

The family has loved all their excursions and have learned a great deal about the native cultures. The secret, she says, is that wherever you go, find a trustable local guide and immerse yourself in their traditions, food and wisdom.

Victoria has documented the flora, fauna, and especially the birds through drawing, photography, video and painting. She wants to share her findings with people and communities that want to know more about Colombia’s natural richness and biodiversity.

Her most recent project is called “Walking Among Birds” a collection of short documentaries and extraordinary videos that she posts on her YouTube channel. The public has responded enthusiastically. People in rural and urban areas in Colombia interested in eco-tourism and education, and birders in the USA and around the world, have contacted Victoria because they want to know more about her work.

Matt Jeffery, Director of International Alliances Program of the Audubon Society, thinks that Victoria’s work is having a positive impact for Colombian conservation. Through Victoria, he says, we can explore areas of the country that were previously off limits, opening people’s eyes to the beauty of birds and driving a passion to explore.

You can appreciate Victoria’s work by visiting caminandoentrelasaves. com