To start the story of Obligatory Pelican, we really do have to go back to the beginning. It’s sounds cliche, but bare with me while I take a little trip down memory lane. Let’s go back to 2014 because that’s when I first arrive in Wilmington, NC. It’s where my art career was reborn with what is now Salt & Cerulean Studio.
Nose against the window
When I first arrived in this city, I had no intention of becoming a professional artist. I really had no ideas of what I wanted to do with my life. I was at a low point. I needed a personal victory and a sense of direction. While exploring the city to see what it had to offer, I noticed the breadth and depth of the arts here. The arts are definitely present and supported in Wilmington, North Carolina! While at a local coffee shop, I overheard several artists chatting about local events and gallery showings. It was my first glimpse through the window into this world.
Realities
I interrupted their conversation to introduce myself, and they quickly and easily opened up about making a living as an artist in this area. Tales of victories and setbacks flowed with the coffee and I was hooked. Imagine making a full-time living by doing something you really enjoy! After a little bit of listening, I blurted out, “so what kinds of things should I paint to make a living?”
I regretted it as soon as I asked because it felt like such a dumb question. Paint what you want and find your audience, right? “Pelicans,” was the first reply. I thought pelicans were dumb and ugly, there was no way I was going to paint them! When I said as much I got, “no, seriously, people are freaks for pelicans here…and sea turtles. Do those if you want to pay your bills.”
The Obligatory Pelican
After a little more conversation, I finally understood the reality of any creative work. You can create the things you want, but you also have to create things that will sell. They don’t have to be the same things, but you’ll eat less 50¢ ramen if many of them are. I left the group still chatting, walking back to my car thinking. I quickly relented, understanding that I was going to have to paint pelicans.
However, I decided that I was going to paint one, and only one, and then I’d never have to paint another pelican again. Don’t get me wrong. I know it sounds like I have an unfounded loathing of these animals, but I don’t. They just weren’t what I wanted to paint. So was born, the only pelican painting I’d ever do: Obligatory Pelican.
The Southport Ferry
There’s a fun way to get to Southport from Wilmington and points south, and that’s to take the ferry from Fort Fisher. It’s quick enough to be convenient and slow enough so you can get out of your car and feel like a sailor running your own ship across the Cape Fear River. I captured the reference photos of this painting while on a ferry ride with my mum. We were out for a day of adventuring and exploring. I saw the bird sitting on a pylon as the boat pulled in, and snapped a few shots, not thinking much about it.
Later than night, while reviewing the shots it struck me. This was going to be my the first painting to launch my professional art career! The one and only pelican painting I’d ever have to do…until I did another one, then designed one, and then did another. Life is funny that way. No I’ve learned to never say never, and never say “only one.” 😂
