Girl and a Feather

This painting was inspired by my adorable little three-year-old niece, who I watched sitting one day on a grassy patch near the sea.
 
She sat, waiting and waiting until a family of ibis birds came flying over her. They flew around her for a few minutes, before taking off, but not without leaving her a special gift: a feather.
 
She picked up the feather in her hands and went skipping off, onto her next adventure. A golden gift was given to her that day for being so patient.
 
Ibis are such unusual creatures with so much beauty in their translucent wings. 
 
In Egyptian mythology, it’s said that a God named Thoth had an Ibis for a head. He is known as the deity who gave us the arts, science, mathematics, astronomy, language, script and more. In this painting, these birds bring this little cherub the gift of knowledge and wisdom.  
 
The little blue praying mantis teaches us that to receive nature's gifts, we must first be patient, quiet, mindful and still. He will be there for her whenever she needs him, a brother. He is by her side to help her be mindful of her surroundings and teach her that life’s most extraordinary treasures are found in the most ordinary things. Just sitting quietly will help you see the magic.
 
A colourful honey-eating bird will always be by her side, a sister, showing her life has so much joy to bring. Tasting the nectar of the flowers encourages her to taste the nectar of life.
 
The butterflies symbolise life’s many changes. As a young girl, she will go through many. However, the most important thing is to grow with change and not force or manipulate situations, just let things naturally gravitate towards you. What’s meant for you will come when you stay true to yourself.