Hummingbirds

There is so much symbolism associated with hummingbirds, such positivity. From spiritual messengers of loved ones passed, to the wonder of their adaptability, agility and joy.

With a theme of 'Home, Health and Hope' for the 2026/27 Air Arts exhibition at The Royal Derby Hospital, hummingbirds felt like a beautiful way to bring hope to patients.

Not just beautiful birds, but fascinating, energetic, resilient and strong. I can see why we look to them for inspiration.

My hummingbirds show these tiny messengers of positivity bursting from the frames.

Circular mosaic of a hummingbird in green, black and orange sparkly tiles, with a sparkly silver background

💚🧡 The hummingbird of healing is made with my favourite colour combination - green and orange. A vibrant mix, yet calming colours, colours that make us think of nature, of peace. Green is a colour associated with healing and renewal.

I wanted to bring a bird that represents healing to a place where people are facing challenges with their health, and staff are working hard to heal them. 💚🧡

Circular mosaic of a hummingbird in black, purple and green sparkly tiles, with a sparkly gold background

💜🖤 The hummingbird of resilience is created with bold colours on a golden background. When I think of resilience I reflect on how often it has been used to describe me and my brain tumour journey. Sometimes this boosted my strength. Sometimes I hid behind the word, knowing that although inside I didn't feel resilient, perhaps if others saw this positivity it would help them cope.

It's often misunderstood as mind over matter, never giving up, being able to cope with whatever is thrown at you. But it's not. For me it's about learning and adapting, knowing what to push through and what to let go of. 💜🖤

"Resilience is not about being unbreakable; it's about being able to put the pieces back together and continue with renewed hope and courage."

Circular mosaic of a hummingbird in blue and white sparkly tiles, with a sparkly pink background

🩵🤍 The hummingbird of love is a powerful one. Loving and being loved. Love for friends, family, community, the planet, for yourself. Connection. Unity.

The pale blue and white radiates serenity, and the pink background surrounds the bird with compassion, love and kindness. 🩵🤍

Circular mosaic of a hummingbird in orange and red sparkly tiles, with a sparkly blue background

🧡 The hummingbird of joy is orange, a colour bursting with warmth, energy and optimism.

Joy can be found through gratitude, by slowing down and noticing how tiny moments can create huge feelings. I love feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the look of excitement in my cats faces when I wake up (because that means breakfast!). These are the things that bring true joy.

I want to bring joy through all my art. By celebrating brokenness becoming whole again, by capturing character in the faces of the animals, by catching the sparkles in the light.

Perhaps you feel joy because you see a chipped tile and recognise that the imperfections are being embraced, perhaps you feel joy because you allow yourself to let go of some of the pressure to be perfect. Perhaps it's as simple as a quirky looking hummingbird in a bright colour making you smile.

I hope you find your moments of joy. 🧡

"Not just sparkles, but a different way of seeing ourselves. Art that embraces and celebrates imperfection. Acceptance and empowerment, bursting with love "

Naomi Hope