Why Birds?

I'm often asked why birds. For most artists drawn to a particular subject, there is almost always a deeper meaning behind their focus.

I am about to dive into why I have such an affinity for birds and how they've become a central theme in my art.

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Let me take it back to the beginning.

My parents quickly realized I was an unusually observant child when I started talking about the birds while we were out running errands. They'd look around, asking where I saw them, and more often than not, I'd refer to the little finches nesting in the "A" of the Walmart sign—despite Walmart's best efforts to stop them.

I've always loved looking around and noticing what's easy to miss when we rush through life. The simple beauty of a tiny finch on an ordinary Tuesday has always comforted me.

I wouldn't say I became a bird enthusiast that day, but that is one of my earliest memories of connecting with birds.

Why Birds? To truly see their beauty, you need to notice them.

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In high school, I had a conversation with one of my closest friends that stuck with me. We talked about our plans for after graduation—he planned to stay in our hometown while I was set to go to school. He looked at me and said, "You're like a bird. You'll probably never move back here, but I'm sure you'll visit." He couldn't have been more right. While I never moved back, I still "fly south for the winter" to visit my family (not literally though, because they live north of me).

Why Birds? Because they can travel where they please, but they always know their way back home.

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I started this page in college when I was taking Drawing 101. My homework for that class was to draw every day, so I began posting my sketches. This page didn't initially focus on birds—that came later as I found my style.

The first bird I posted soared with a shadow beneath it, with the caption, "Glad to see you are flying. One day, I hope to fly again, too." At that time, I was grieving, and the bird represented freedom—if I could fly, I could move on. A year later, I posted another bird with the caption, "It's been a year, and I'm still holding onto hope that one day I will be free like a bird." I had some amazing friends who commented and called me, reminding me of how far I had come and that I, indeed, was free. Maybe I didn't have the confidence to fly, but I was no longer caged in my despair.

Why birds? They've become a symbol of freedom and a reminder of hope.

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A few years ago, I was introduced to the American Kestrel, the smallest of the falcons, and I was instantly captivated. This tiny creature is fierce (and also adorable). It quickly became my favorite bird, a symbol of courage.

We all face struggles and difficult seasons in life. When we come through on the other side, we have the chance to encourage others who are walking through pain or loss. This drawing, which English Cousins transformed into a stunning tattoo, serves as a daily reminder to take courage—not in my own strength, but in the one who has already overcome.

Why Birds? Because their very survival reminds us to be courageous.

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So, if you have stuck around, thanks for taking the time. You now know how deeply birds have been symbolic throughout my life, and I am confident they will continue to be.

Birds remind us to slow down and notice beauty and travel, but always remember your way back home; there is hope and freedom; no matter what comes, you can take courage and encourage others.