This week as I draw and paint, I’m immersing myself in bird symbolism and the wisdom we can learn from it.
My first new collection of 2023 will be called ‘Freedom’ and it will include birds.
Why?
Birds are the ultimate symbol of freedom for me. Watching them soar into the sky or to the top of a tall tree … well that’s what total freedom must feel like, right?
Unlike my Big Bold Beautiful Birds from last year, this collection focuses on specific birds that are steeped in symbolism that emphasise the freedom of fear, despair, pain and anger.
And so this week is all about the symbolism of the birds who will feature in my forthcoming collection.
Bird Symbolism - Dove Love
Before I even began to sketch out my ideas for this collection, I knew that it would feature doves. Oh it’s bird symbolism galore with this beautiful bird!
Doves symbolise so much –
- love
- peace
- compassion
- hope
- happiness
- harmony (and I could go on…)
This list got me thinking. Perhaps they are messengers from the angels.
Maybe they’re here on earth to remind us of the finest ingredients that make life magical. I like that idea very much.
I see a white dove often when I go for walks. She hangs out with a flock of pigeons – who knows, maybe she’s an albino pigeon?
It doesn’t really matter as it’s what she represents that is most important.
When I see her, I gasp at her delicate beauty. I think about what message she has for me. Often, it’s about turning my fears to faith so I feel inner peace.
That’s bird symbolism at work!
Next time you see a dove, grey or white, I invite you to consider the message it is sending you.
Birds of Paradise - A Symbol of love!
As well as doves, this collection will include a showstopper (as always). My plan is to paint a pair of birds of paradise in a beautiful and colourful setting of flowers and leaves.
Birds of paradise are the greatest symbol of love. Their mating ritual is one of nature’s biggest sensations. This is bird symbolism at it’s finest!
The male will spread his wings into a glorious display to attract a female. He will even prepare the branch he stands on to make sure everything is just right. Love it!
Then he will make enticing noises with his wings and perform a special dance. Apparently he is quite the groover!
When we invite love into our hearts and are open to receive it, we gain freedom from fear, anger and resentment. We see things more compassionately and find forgiveness more easily.
And so birds of paradise – these symbols of love – had to be included in this collection.
What do Peacocks and Hummingbirds symbolise?
Finally, the Freedom Collection will also include peacocks and hummingbirds.
Firstly because of their wonderful rich colours. And I am all about the colour! But also because of what these birds symbolise.
Peacocks parade with pride and they often get a bad wrap because of this. Pride for many of us is so closely related to arrogance.
However, peacocks for me are the ultimate symbol confidence and courage. They own their space and they are not frightened to believe in themselves and be seen. What an inspiration!
To feel freedom, you have to have courage. Courage to change, Courage to think differently, Courage to try something new. You have to believe that anything is possible.
And hummingbirds – well, they maybe small, but they pack a huge punch with bird symbolism. Like doves, they represent a list of things to different cultures. I was most intrigued to learn that they are considered spiritual healers.
Freedom begins when we start to heal from trauma with a capital ‘T’ or trauma with a lower case ‘t’. Freedom arrives when we rest and nurture ourselves after challenges or negative experiences. Freedom comes about from knowing ourselves deeply.
And that is why hummingbirds are a must for this collection!
The new collection – Freedom –is now available. Click here to see more beautiful bird art.
