In 2021, the folks with FOR ELEPHANTS, (a nonprofit organization that conducts elephant research and provides expertise and resources to people that want to do their part- elephant care professionals, researchers, and elephant enthusiasts) asked me if I would paint something for the upcoming birth of an African elephant at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
I painted the father, Callee, reaching towards the luckiest star in the night's sky, Beta Aquarii - otherwise known as Sadaluud. This is the brightest star in the constellation Aquarius, the water bearer. It got this name in ancient times as it rose each spring, coinciding with the spring rains. I think this is the perfect star for a "water bearer" of a trunk to be reaching for, especially a lucky father like, Callee.
