Monday, June 14, 2010

More pelican



Here's another update on the pelican.  He (or she) has that wonderful baleful look, just perfectly summing up its feelings regarding the disaster in the Gulf.

I watched the news this evening and the sight of oil covered birds, water and beaches is quite sickening and still oil gushing out into the ocean.  It makes me consider my gyotaku project and how it will become a marker of sorts for species in the future, should the Atlantic become the victim of a similar disaster. I hope that never comes to be.  I hope that safeguards are in place and that clean ups can at least begin to repair some of the damage already done before it gets even worse.

Until humans decrease their need for fossil fuels, companies will still mine the earth and incidents like this will happen.  You and I are also responsible for the Gulf disaster.

7 comments:

Margaret said...

I am so enjoying watching this grand pelican come to life, so to speak.

olivia said...

It is a nameless disaster Jeanette. In Brittany in France, we knew disasters with tankers failed near the maritime coast). Birds, fishes, landscape, everything was destroyed. Now, more tracks seemingly. The nature takes back its rights, but still how long? After these dark words, your pelican goes out of your blog as a symbol of beauty to disappear. It is magnificent.

Wanda said...

I agree, so magnificent!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

I'm so glad you're doing this piece as a reminder, Jeanette, and it is really beautiful, even unfinished. The beak breaks completely out of the picture plane and comes right at us!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Margaret, I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Olivia, yes you're right. The pelican is beauty and loss at the same time. A good poster bird for the current challenge in the Gulf.

Thank you Wanda.

Living on the coast and knowing how fragile the ecosystem is and how it can all change in a heartbeat this piece becomes significant. Even though there are no pelicans here, it is a symbol for all the wildlife in danger at the hands of man.

Margaret said...

Just wanted to add that every time I hear about the terrible Gulf mess I visualize your pelican. You are really doing a beautiful job and I look forward to the finished piece.

Felicity Grace said...

Well said Jeanette. Too many people are indulging in the blame game whereas we should all see our own role in this - and make changes. I love pelicans and I'm delighted you're showing this work in progress! It's really beautiful already, I can't wait to see it finished.