NEFL Pelican, Original

Northeast Florida has some wild wildlife, and the pelican is one of the weirdest. They're not even on the beach that much. Most of the time, they're hanging around the Intracoastal waterway, but every now and then, one crosses over to the oceanfront. Usually when the surf gets choppy or a storm is moving through.

Pelicans are the epitome of contradiction. Ugly and beautiful. Awkward and serene. The big ones can be a little intimidating with that enormous gullet, but there's something calming about them, too. That long, sword-like bill attached to a short, chunky body is hilarious to watch move through the world. They seem so stupid, but also might just be the smartest bird on the street.

I love the juxtaposition, and it's why I chose a pelican to represent the NEFL letters in this piece.

Some people think of this area of Northeast Florida as an extension of Georgia. Others think it's completely tropical. The truth is somewhere in between, a mashup of different landscapes, personalities, snowbirds, and people who've been here forever. The pelican feels right at home in all that contradiction. It's an awkward, calm little ambassador for our little armpit of the east coast.

Specs: This original piece measures 30" × 40" and is drawn in colored pencil on hot-press watercolor paper. It's finished in a soft, natural wood frame with protective plexiglass, which offers a lighter, more flexible alternative to traditional glass.