Brown Pelican 6 Roger Bansemer

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by a weathered wooden piling supporting a navigational beacon. Three large birds, seemingly brown pelicans, perch atop the structure, their postures suggesting a casual occupation of this man-made landmark. The sky occupies a significant portion of the frame, transitioning from pale pink and lavender hues at the horizon to a lighter blue overhead, indicating either dawn or dusk. A subtle reflection of the piling and beacon is visible in the water below, creating a sense of depth and mirroring the scene.
The artist’s rendering style appears meticulous, with careful attention paid to the texture of the wood grain on the piling and the detailed feathering of the birds. The color palette is muted, emphasizing natural tones and contributing to an overall atmosphere of tranquility.
Several subtexts emerge from this depiction. The presence of the pelicans suggests a symbiotic relationship between wildlife and human infrastructure; these creatures have adapted to utilize the beacon as a resting place. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the encroachment of civilization upon natural habitats, or conversely, on natures resilience in coexisting with human constructs.
The navigational beacon itself symbolizes guidance and safety, but its placement within this scene also introduces an element of isolation. The structure stands alone, seemingly distant from any visible shoreline, reinforcing a sense of solitude and perhaps even vulnerability. The birds’ relaxed postures contrast with the purpose of the beacon, creating a subtle tension between functionality and natural ease.
The verticality of the composition draws the viewers eye upward, emphasizing the height of the piling and the expanse of the sky. This contributes to a feeling of openness and expansiveness, while simultaneously highlighting the smallness of both the birds and the human-made structure within this vast environment.