Louisiana’s state bird, the brown pelican, symbolizes selflessness, care, and nurturing, qualities that closely reflect motherhood. Calm yet strong, it represents the quiet sacrifices made to protect and uplift others while remaining grounded through life’s changing tides. In this painting, I explore resilience, protection, and quiet perseverance.

The pelican also reflects the spirit of the people of Louisiana, who continually come together in the face of hurricanes and hardship. Through community, compassion, and collective strength, people lift one another up, rebuild, and endure together.

18x24 acrylic on canvas