This design, titled Spring Bliss, shows three hummingbirds feasting on the spring blossoms of the salmonberry bush. The inspiration budded from the artist’s memories of picking salmonberries on Haida Gwaii, and the joy it brought him to watch the picturesque iridescent hummingbirds as they offer assistance in pollination, while also receiving nourishment from the sweet nectar of the blossoms.

During the spring of 2024, Trevor studied the salmonberry bushes around his home, trying to capture their essence and generosity in this print. They are so prolific and giving in both this part of the production cycle offering up nectar, and then again during the fruiting cycle. The birds and animals eat the berries and their waste then acts as a natural fertilizer nourishing the soil to feed the berry bushes and promote regeneration, as do the remains of the birds and animals. The 3 hummingbirds share the colours of the salmonberry bush, representing how we are the land and the food that grows from it. Hummingbirds are typically associated with joy, a lightness of being, and movement. As one can observe, they display these attributes as they zip around showing off their vibrant beauty.

Since creating this design, the artist cannot pass by a salmonberry bush without feeling a new found connection to it. This is the gift of study and passion; when one has a deeper knowledge and relationship to something, it no longer blends into the background, but is looked upon as a friend, bringing comfort with true connection.