Artist Statement
In the urban expanse of Santa Monica, amidst the hustle and bustle, I discovered a hidden gem—a hummingbird nest tucked away in a scraggly holly bush just outside my front door. What began as a simple observation evolved into an immersive three-year journey, documenting the nest’s occupants so far: six families of hummingbirds.
Through my lens, I captured moments of awe-inspiring resilience and heart-wrenching fragility. Each new family that inhabited the nest faced its own set of challenges, navigating the urban landscape with grace and determination. From battling harsh weather conditions to outmaneuvering predators, the hummingbirds demonstrated a remarkable tenacity in their quest to raise their young.
As I observed the delicate intricacies of the nest and the precious fledglings within, I couldn’t help but marvel at the fragile balance between life and its surroundings. The hummingbird nest became a symbol of both strength and vulnerability, a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of adversity.
Through this photography project, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked beauty and complexity of urban wildlife. By capturing the intimate moments of these tiny creatures’ lives, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected of places.
Gallery
About
Hilary White is a photographer who focuses on personal narrative and fine art photography. Her work explores the co-existence of beauty and imperfection, strength and fragility, and the realm of the unspoken.
Currently she is developing a long-term project focused on a hummingbird nest outside her front door in Santa Monica, CA entitled Hummingbirds: Resilience and Fragility.
Hilary is a long-time member of the Los Angeles Center of Photography. Her work has been selected for multiple exhibitions hosted by the center including images from her series The Patriarchy And Me, as well as her street photography, landscape, and multimedia photographic collages. Her images were part of a collaborative book project created during the pandemic called Saturday Morning: Notes from Today for Tomorrow.
Hilary was born and raised in New York City. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and the School of Visual Arts. She has produced and consulted on art, film, publishing, and digital media projects throughout her career. Hilary moved to Santa Monica in 2005 and her images have been featured in books and exhibitions primarily on the west coast. She lives here with her two cats and loves exploring the beach, city, mountains, and desert nearby.