Why Not a Bird with a Cupcake on Her Head?

Lately, I’ve been feeling emotionally heavy and in desperate need of some levity. Enter this wee birdy—my unexpected dose of joy! I can’t stop smiling at her, and, by extension, at myself.

I’ve always loved that line from Portlandia—“Put a bird on it!”—because, honestly, it’s so true. Birds have a way of elevating art, turning the ordinary into something delightful. Once you start noticing them, you’ll see birds on everything.

But why stop there? I decided to take it a step further. Instead of putting a bird on something, I put something on the bird—a cupcake, of course. And just like that, Yellow Birdy Cupcake Head was born.

Maybe we’d all smile a little more with a cupcake on our heads… or better yet, a bird with a cupcake on our heads.

Chocolate, Turkeys, and a Lipstick Tree: A Kauai Adventure

On a recent trip to Kauai, we set out on what we thought was a straightforward mission: eat chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. And trust me, we did. But as with most adventures, this one had some unexpected (and very entertaining) surprises.

Our chocolate-tasting tour took place on a cocoa plantation teeming with life, not just in the form of cocoa trees but also banana trees, curry bushes, cinnamon bushes, and a whole cast of free-range farm animals. Picture this: turkeys strutting like they own the place, chickens plotting who-knows-what, bunnies being their adorable selves, goats giving side-eye, and ducks waddling around like tiny, feathery VIPs. It was like stepping into a tropical petting zoo where the main attraction was, well—chocolate.

But the real showstopper? The achiote tree, also known as the lipstick tree. Stay with me here. This tree grows walnut-sized pods covered in soft, fuzzy red hairs (nature really outdid itself on the aesthetics). Crack one open, and inside are dozens of seeds that, when crushed, transform into a vibrant red pigment. Historically, people have used it as paint, dye, and yes—lipstick.

Naturally, some of the more adventurous tourists couldn’t resist smearing the freshly crushed seeds on their faces. The results? Hilarious streaks of orangey-red across cheeks, foreheads, hands and basically, wherever they touched next. Note to future visitors: this application requires both a mirror and a solid exit strategy involving soap and water.

Our guide, perhaps sensing my curiosity (or my tendency to get a little too excited about nature’s art supplies), handed me a few pods to take back to my hotel. Challenge accepted.

Later that evening, I got to work experimenting with my achiote pods as paint. As I mixed the deep red pigment, I realized the color was nearly identical to the palm lily I had seen earlier. So, in true “I didn’t pack art supplies but always end up buying them when I travel” fashion, I pulled out my newly acquired watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.

The result? A palm lily painting infused with both traditional watercolor and my fun little achiote experiment.

Because why just see the beauty of Kauai when you can literally paint with it?

 

More than just a logo

Welcome to my studio, Black Bird Art & Design.  I created this logo myself and feel very excited about it and want to share the story behind it and my studio name. (Don’t worry—it’s a short story!) When my daughter was born, I didn’t know how to soothe a crying baby, rock her to sleep or calm her when she woke up with nightmares.  I realized that every single song I knew the lyrics to were bad 80s top 40 hits from my teenage years.  “Safety Dance” wasn’t soothing…I tried.  I did covet my Beatles White Album as an early adult (I think I both loved the music and it made me feel mature just owning it).  I especially loved the song “Black Bird” and could easily sing it to my baby without worrying about forgetting the words or more importantly, singing grossly out of key.  I guess Paul and I share a vocal range.  This song became my “go to” as my child grew and I went to it whenever the nightmares came. I sing it to myself still as my child has now grown into an incredible young adult. The light touch of rainbow on her wing further represents my now gender non-conforming kid and all of my beautiful friends in the LGBTQIA+ community whom I feel should always feel seen and supported.  Finally, the wee purple heart in her mouth is not only my love for all of the above, but for my offering of love to all who need a little extra.  I have plenty to give.