Monday Art Salon - March 2, 2015

"Hey, It's Jethro!" - mixed media on paper, 16" x 12"

A week ago at this time, we were getting ready for a monster snow storm!  Today, it is almost 70 degrees and sunny.  What better way to celebrate a little unexpected sunbathing than a big ol' pelican, sunning himself on a pier post?  

Pelicans, silent, weighty and calm.  I think of them as the pterodactyls of the beach.  They look prehistoric to me, maybe because of the large shadow they cast over the water when gliding.  They are, by far, my favorite of all the water birds.  Each one has its own character, and I find them mesmerizing.

 As an animal totem, pelicans are in power year around, and symbolize renewed buoyancy and unselfishness.  Their pouch and long bill are used to scoop, not to store.  The pelican asks you, what are you trying to store that shouldn't be stored?  Are you not using what you have?  As I clean out the closets and attics in preparation for a move, I know the pelican doesn't have this message for me.  I am a ruthless declutterer! 

Pelicans are lightweight and buoyant (surprising given their size!), and can pop up to the surface easily after a deep dive.  This symbolizes being able to rest on top despite heaviness in life around you.  He teaches that you can resurface no matter how deep you dive - rising above life's trials with ease.   

These birds are sociable and cooperative and have no nesting competitiveness.  They will often work as a team when fishing.  Unselfishness comes naturally to them.  This isn't something I often hear about any member of the animal kingdom, and sets the pelican apart as a totem animal.

So despite all these lovely qualities, the pelican does have a slow take-off when leaving the water.  The message here to to free oneself from the emotions which might weigh you down.  The pelican teaches you how to overcome these emotions and rise above.

The perfect message for a spring-like day, when possibilities seem endless and everything is sunny and bright.  Letting go of heavy emotions, working cooperatively with others, letting go of extra stuff and rising above...now, if I can just get the packrats I live with to feel the pelican mojo, we might actually get something done around here!

This piece is available.  Framed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com