The act of animals creating art is truly magical, whether they do so with purpose or simply for the joy of it. Paint is the preferred medium for most animal artists, as it requires only a canvas, paint, and a paintbrush (although some animals may prefer using their own bodies). Pottery, on the other hand, is less common among animal artists, making it a unique sight when encountered.
Enter a dove that defies expectations and sets a new standard by exploring a different artistic medium. One day, while ceramics artist Gayle was working at the pottery wheel, an unexpected feathered visitor flew into their studio and left a mark on their artwork. This dove’s spontaneous interaction was a moment of serendipity, as it approached Gayle’s pottery wheel with calm curiosity.
The dove, seemingly impressed by Gayle’s creations, left a literal mark on the ceramics by dipping its beak into the spinning clay, creating a circular groove around the vase’s neck. Gayle’s astonished reaction confirmed that this was now a collaborative piece.
The incident sparked intrigue and speculation among viewers on TikTok, with some humorously suggesting that the dove was a renowned art critic in the ceramic world. Despite initial assumptions that the bird might have been a pet due to its calm demeanor, it was later revealed to be a Eurasian collared dove, a species commonly found in Key West.
Gayle explained that the friendly behavior of the collared doves in the area was due to frequent feeding by tourists, rather than domestication. The presence of these invasive doves, along with other wild animals, raised concerns about their safety and well-being in the bustling environment of Key West.
The story of the collared dove’s unexpected collaboration with Gayle’s pottery work serves as a reminder of the harmonious yet complex relationship between humans, animals, and art in a shared space.
The sweet dove met an unfortunate end in Gayle’s studio. Gayle provided food and water, then managed to catch and release the dove, in hopes that it would never return to the pottery studio. This incident may have been the dove’s final interaction with Gayle’s pottery, but it certainly made an impact on online admirers of animal art.
