Hummingbird and Sun by Joe Wilson

Silkscreen Print

22" x 21"

2020

Edition of 90

Hummingbird and Sun is a limited edition print by Joe Wilson. It shows the hummingbird hovering in mid air, face to the sun. In the sun, we see an eagle, or owl face. According to the artist, this is a matter of interpretation, and it makes sense to interpret the face of the sun as an eagle, who are most active during the day. The counterpart to this print, Hummingbird and Moon, would consequently feature the owl face.

To the First Nations of the Northwest coast, the hummingbird is a messenger of joy. They are good omens and symbols for intelligence, beauty, devotion, and love. The hummingbird derives its name from the sound the wings make when the bird is in flight, or hovering. The wings flap at a rate of up to 80 times per second, depending on the species. They are the smallest of all birds.