Northern Gannet

We recently watched a TV show about the Northern Gannet,

 one of the largest seabirds of the North Atlantic.  And, it was spectacular

 as it plunged into the sea in pursuit of fish. 

With a spear-like bill and spiky tail, it looks "pointed at both ends", 

They can dive  from a height of 98 feet, while achieving 
speeds of 62 mph as they strike the water.  
They can dive as deep as 72 feet, and use

their wings and feet to swim deeper in pursuit of fish.

I was so impressed I researched it further and decided to make 

 a paper collage piece (which I'd never done before). I took snapshots

of some textured, variegated paper, for the background

and cut out the shape of the two birds.

Thinking about other processes I knew (stained glass, mosaic

and tapestry weaving) I used different shades of the highly textured paper

for the background.  This was glued to a shiny black poster

board to create the look of grout or solder between the paper shapes.

The finished 9" x 12" project, will be framed in

a rosewood frame with non-glare glass.

Other interesting facts:  They have air sacs in the face and chest 

under the skin, which act like bubble wrap. 

cushioning the impact with the water.

The position of their eyes is far enough 

forward on the face for binocular like vision. 

allowing them to judge distances accurately.