Large Journal – Summer’s Dance

Description

Andy describes his design Summer’s Dance

One can often hear a hummingbird before they can see it. It approaches with a low hum, its wings beating more than fifty times per second. Witnessing hummingbirds in action is always a magnificent sight. They hover and move gracefully from flower to flower, feeding from its sweet nectar. Their iridescent feathers glisten in the sunlight, enchanting and mesmerizing the viewer. To me, the image of a “Summer’s Dance” comes to mind.

According to my grandmother, the Kwakwaka’wakw believe that Hummingbirds bring a person luck. Specifically, she said that if one were to find a hummingbird’s nest, their luck would increase significantly. Personally, I feel that just watching a hummingbird is itself a lucky experience. I try to portray this magical encounter in “Summer’s Dance.”