William Wharton(1925-2008)

Keeping pet canaries was a lifetime hobby that found its way into his book "Birdy", along with his war-time experiences.

Not thinking of myself as a writer gives me the freedom to be one. I basically just look into my head and see the image and look for words. (from a 1986 interview with the Times of London, on how painting was still as important to him as writing)