I have a deep love for hummingbirds. There is something about their tiny, shimmering bodies that echoes the magic and mystery of ethereal world beyond. And although I have never seen one of these precious birds in real life, I feel a deep connection to them. When I began painting Ode to the Hummingbird, my intention was to capture the magical essence of this creature and the way it might see the flowers that it feeds on, through a magical vibrant lens. I wanted portray the hummingbird as if it was energetically connected to the flowers that it was feeding on, hence the colours of the flowers literally being absorbed into the feathers of its body and wings.

The painting

Acrylic and collage painting of a hummingbird at the centre, surrounded by bold orange and pink flowers. Flowing blue Art Nouveau-style lines sweep through the bright composition, with flecks of gold and hand-painted paper throughout. — Ode to the Hummingbird ~Acrylic and Collage on Stretched Canvas

This acrylic and collage piece is bright, bold and unapologetically joyful. Fiery orange and vivid pink flowers burst around the hummingbird, while flowing blue lines sweep through the whole composition. These lines come from my long love of Art Nouveau, with its graceful curves and sense of movement. I wanted them to carry your eye, and your heart, around the painting. It’s almost as if the blue lines are connecting the natural world of the hummingbird and the flowers to the universal consciousness above and around.

Look closely and you'll find little treasures hidden throughout. I've layered in flecks of handmade gold paper along with other hand-painted papers, which catch the light and add texture, shimmer and a touch of magic. The artwork is also varnished with a gloss varnish which truely brings out the vibrancy of the colours and gives the hummingbird an almost 3D effect when viewed up close.

The spirit of the hummingbird

Across many traditions, the hummingbird is a symbol of joy, lightness and resilience. It reminds us to savour life's sweetness, to stay present, and to trust that something so small can carry so much spirit. It is also seen as a messenger, encouraging us to open our hearts and let a little more beauty in.

I definitely experienced the magic and mystery as I created this artwork. My intention with my art is always to move people on a deeper level, to offer a glimpse of the eternal and a reminder of the joy of living a soul-filled life. I hope this painting brings a smile, a sense of wonder, or a quiet moment of peace to your day.

A Film That Spoke to My Soul: Every Little Thing

Not long ago, a dear friend took me to see the documentary Every Little Thing, directed by Australian filmmaker Sally Aitken. Hearing Sally speak about the film after the screening was a highlight for me.

The film follows Terry Masear, a Los Angeles woman who devotes herself to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned hummingbirds. Terry nurses each tiny bird back to health, one by one, until it is strong enough to return to the wild. Through her eyes, every bird becomes an individual with its own story, and every small life matters. It is also a story about healing, for the birds and for Terry herself.

I connected with it deeply. I hold a firm belief in the deeper consciousness of the natural world, and in the way we are all connected to it. Watching Terry care for these tiny beings, I could feel the energy moving between her and the birds and the way that at times, she almost wills them to survive. The connection that she has to these birds and her shared healing from trauma is palpable. The film reminded me that healing happens through patience, presence and the willingness to hold space for something fragile.

Even though I created Ode to the Hummingbird many years before this film was made, both are an invitation to slow down, notice the magic in the smallest things, and remember that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

If you get the chance to see Every Little Thing, (free to stream in Australia on SBS on demand) I can't recommend it enough. 🧡

Details

Title: Ode to the Hummingbird
Medium: Acrylic and collage with handmade gold paper and hand-painted papers
Size: 50 cm wide × 76 cm high
Ready to hang: Professionally strung with hanging cord, perfect to hang unframed, though it can also be framed if you prefer

Bursting with colour and magic, this artwork would bring joy to a living space, bedroom, studio or even a children's room.

Ode to the Hummingbird is available for purchase & worldwide shipping

Ode to the Hummingbird is available worldwide now via my Bluethumb profile.