Exploring the Symbolism of Birds in my Art

This year's spring time may just be the most volatile in Melbourne I've experienced yet!

Despite the wild weather, as day began to break earlier and earlier, the one thing that remained constant was the exalted birdsong each morning, excitedly greeting the sun as it began to light up the sky.  After the eventful 12 months I've had, it was a constant reminder of how grateful I am for another day.  

Across cultures and mythologies, birds have long been seen as messengers between the earths realm and the divine. Their wings carry with them layers of symbolic meaning, each feather holding a story that has inspired art and imagination for centuries.

At their core, birds embody freedom, the ability to soar beyond boundaries and rise above the weight of the world. Their flight becomes a metaphor for the soul’s journey, reminding us that our spirits are not confined but capable of growth, transformation, and transcendence.

Many birds are revered for wisdom. Owls, with their keen vision in darkness, symbolise intuition and higher consciousness, the ability to see beyond illusion and into truth. They are guides for those seeking knowledge on life’s winding path.

Birds are also symbols of family and community. The sight of swans or geese flying together evokes loyalty and unity, while the nurturing nature of many species reflects the bonds that tie us to kin and loved ones.

In contrast, eagles and hawks embody power—strength, courage, and vision. They remind us of the heights we can reach when we trust in our own determination and clarity. Doves, however, soften this with their eternal association with peace and reconciliation, carrying messages of harmony and compassion.

Birds can also symbolise healing and renewal. Like the phoenix, which rises from its own ashes, they embody new beginnings, showing us that endings are never final but rather a doorway to rebirth. In this way, birds hold the balance of life and death, teaching us that both are sacred, both part of the soul’s eternal migration.

To many, birds are harbingers of hope. The song of a small bird at dawn becomes a promise that light will follow darkness. Their presence stirs intuition, inviting us to listen not only to the world around us but also to the quiet truths within.

Throughout history, birds have been seen as bringers of fortune, omens of prosperity or change, guiding people toward choices that shape destiny. They move between worlds—earth and sky, material and spiritual—acting as companions on our inner and outer journeys.

To me, birds are more than just creatures of the air, they are living symbols of the human experience. They carry with them the whispers of the soul, urging us to remember that our lives, like theirs, are songs of flight, transformation, and eternal connection.

If you're interested in birds as I am, I invite you to have a look at my latest watercolour art collection "Birds in Spring" which includes works inspired by spring time, and the coming of Christmas, a very sacred passage of time where we are reminded to slow down, be grateful and become aware of how lucky we are to be living in this beautiful time of change.

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