|
It was like a
harbinger of all good things that morning almost ten years ago when Beth Essick held a hummingbird in her
hand. We do not know how the tiny creature came to be sitting beside her
on the family's patio, but the one thing we do know is that it was not sick
and it was not stunned. The little creature allowed Beth to place it in the
palm of her hand. As she rubbed its tiny head, it closed its eyes and as
she stroked its neck, it tilted its head back wanting more. Beth even had
time to speak to her mom on the cordless phone to say she was holding a
live hummingbird.
Fortunately, Beth's dad, Dempsey Essick, was home
and fortunately there was film in his camera. Dempsey successfully captured
the remarkable moment in time.
For Dempsey it was a good luck
sign. How often, in a lifetime, do you have a chance to study and
photograph the iridescent feathers of one of nature's smallest birds. Allowed to leave when he was ready, the
small speedster circled once then zoomed away.
Every painting Dempsey has done since
that day has included a rebus figure of a hummingbird hidden in the design.
The Hummer-ville USA Gift Line at The Dempsey
Essick Gallery features an extended line of hummer gifts. And, if you
happen to be around Dempsey's backyard you might need to be careful not
bump your head on one the many hummingbird feeders.
Note: The first in the series of Essick
Thumbnail Prints
was entitled, "Camellia & Friends" and features
a male and female hummingbird hovering over a camellia bloom. The small
framed, signed and
numbered print, is dedicated to Beth and comes with easel and its own photo
of Beth & Bird.
|
