The Pelican, the Beach, and the Beauty of Everyday Magic

There are certain creatures that seem to carry stories in their feathers. For me, the pelican has always been one of them.

Quirky, grand, slightly awkward, and entirely majestic, the Australian pelican never fails to make me smile. There’s something deeply comforting about the way they waddle across jetties, flap those great wings with a kind of ancient elegance, and then, almost like a surprise, they lift off with absolute grace, gliding across the sky as if they were born of clouds.

This week, I released a new collage artwork into the world. It's called Pelican Love, and it features one of these beloved birds in all its odd and radiant beauty. It's set against a soft white vintage beach background, haloed by yellow and pink flowers, basking under sunrays and crowned with a shimmering marguerite. The word LOVE shines in radiant purple, like a blessing from the ground.

What inspired this piece wasn’t just the pelican’s look; it was the rich tapestry of stories and symbolism that this remarkable bird embodies.

Pelicans in Indigenous Australian Culture

In the rich oral traditions of Indigenous Australian cultures, the pelican holds significant meaning.

One such story comes from the Gunaikurnai people of southeastern Australia. Their creation story tells of Borun the Pelican, who journeyed from the mountains carrying a bark canoe on his head. As he traveled, he heard a mysterious tapping sound but couldn't identify its source. Upon reaching the inlets, he set down his canoe and discovered Tuk, the Musk Duck, hidden inside. Borun and Tuk became the first ancestors of the Gunaikurnai people, symbolizing the origins and unity of their community. ​

Another tale speaks of Moola the Pelican, who was originally entirely black. According to this story, pelicans were once black, and through a series of transformative events, they acquired their distinctive black and white plumage.

These narratives highlight the pelican's role as a figure of transformation, community, and connection in Indigenous Australian mythology.​

A Quirky Bird with a Big Spirit

Pelicans have always been symbols of generosity, cooperation, and care. In various traditions, they’re seen as nurturers who isfeeding not just themselves, but their communities.

Here in Australia, the pelican is a familiar friend along the coasts, estuaries, and lakes. They’re often seen in groups, gliding together, wings wide, their enormous beaks perfectly still. And yet, there's always something a little humorous about them, too. That beak! That confident waddle!

To me, they are the perfect combination of joy and wisdom. A reminder not to take life too seriously… and to take it very seriously, all at once.

When Art Becomes a Mirror

Creating Pelican Love felt playful and soulful all at once.

I layered the soft vintage beach tones to evoke that warm, salty air we know so well in Australia. Almost like the kind of memory that makes you sigh and smile at the same time. The flowers behind the pelican’s head are part halo, part crown, because I truly believe these birds deserve a little regal treatment. And the sunrays? They’re there to say: this moment is sacred.

Because it is.

Every moment we stop and notice something beautiful whether it’s a bird, a flower, a memory, or a story. It is a moment of coming back to life. To ourselves. To what matters.

And that’s what I hope my art can be: not just decorative, but meaningful.

A small reminder of the love that surrounds us. The beauty of everyday magic. The quirkiness that keeps us grounded.

Want to Bring a Pelican Home?

If you feel a connection to pelicans, or just want a dose of joy, sunlight, and quirky charm, Pelican Love is available now in my Online Art Store as art print, sticker, journal cover, mug, or even a comfy throw pillow (because yes, pelicans do belong on couches!).

🛒 Click here to explore the collection >>

And if you’ve got your own story or memory of a pelican, I’d absolutely love to hear it in the comments. Let’s keep celebrating the ordinary wonders that bring us together.

With sunshine and wings,

Louise

Vintage Collage Artist | Graphic Designer | Creative Living Enthusiast

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Louise Sommer is a collage artist, bestselling author, and cultural storyteller with an MA in Educational Psychology. She specialises in creativity, communication, and the cultural narratives woven through history, myth, and memory. Her book The Hidden Camino takes readers on a soulful journey through forgotten histories and sacred places. Since the 1990s, Louise has travelled widely across Europe, exploring how stories shape identity, belonging, and creative expression. Through her writing, design, and workshops, she invites readers into a world of curiosity, beauty, and deep connection.

✨ Explore her art at Collage Art Studio by Louise Sommer

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