Well, I realize I am not alone in my love for hummingbirds and the reasoning behind it. Like many, hummingbirds are a sign of someone special in my life. For my family, it’s my grandmother Elsie May. She was a lover of hummingbirds (also roosters and crows, but absolutely NOT blue jays) and we’ve long seen them as a symbol of her saying hello.
My sister Heather and I were once walking in Lynn Canyon, in North Vancouver. There were two women we could hear speaking about seeing an eagle and how it was a sign of their mother. Just as they finished saying it, a hummingbird swooped down in front of us for a moment and zipped away. I’ve been in those woods tons, and I have never seen a hummingbird there. It was so bizarre and wild that those words about seeing a bird as a sign had just left the woman’s mouth.
Anyhow- I won’t delve any further into that, if only to say that this hummingbird is indeed named for my grandmother, and if it reminds you of someone special as well, I’m glad.
This illustration was created with archival inks, my go to pens Sakura Microns and also some Staedtlers. I have a little bit of a mandala pattern happening in the border, with some floral illustration mixed in. Lots of petals and leaf inspired patterns.
It took me about 15 hours to complete this piece. It’s quite minimalist in design compared to a lot of my works, but all those small details take time and add up quickly!
Since completing the piece, I’ve offered it as a blank greeting card and print. The original sizing is 8” x 10”, so I have only offered it up to that size. With traditional art, it’s always difficult to go larger without turning it into a digital piece.
One of the best parts about offering this piece as prints and cards is the stories I receive from others about who hummingbirds represent to them and why they’re buying them.
At one event, my own uncle came up and picked up the card. He looked at it and said “Your Nanny Elsie loved hummingbirds, did you know that? They always remind me of her” and I got to say “Of course, look at the title on the back”!
Cards and prints of “Elsie” the hummingbird piece can be found on my Etsy page.
And please, if you feel so inspired, tell me your story of who a hummingbird means to you. My best contact is email at LindseyRossArt@gmail.com
5” x 7” Blank Card of “Elsie”