OBI Art for Orcas: Meet the Artist, Christine Fowler

One of our goals for Orca Action Month is to strengthen the connection between people and the Southern Resident killer whales. By learning about these whales as individuals, we hope more people will be motivated to support their recovery. We're excited to highlight another artist and share why she chose the specific whale featured in her artwork. Next up is Christine Fowler:

This project was one of passion for me. A long-time lover of the Southern Residents, I wanted to truly honor and educate others through the work.

My first encounter with the Southern Residents was many years ago while living in Friday Harbor. I was taking a walk on a foggy morning at American Camp when I heard them. The distinct sound of blowing and splashing was followed by the sight of several enormous dorsal fins rising out of the mist. I was mesmerized, hypnotized. I fell in love.

I was thrilled to represent Blackberry (J27) as he is a bit of a legend in these waters and truly loved by the community. He is a handsome dude with a personality that just doesn’t quit. Whether he’s helping his younger siblings, doing cartwheels on the water, or sporting a salmon hat proudly on his head, he really seems to be the life of the party. Trying to capture his essence was a bit daunting but still a thrill. He is just such a cool guy!

The medium I work with is driftwood.  I love that each piece has mystery, a story that comes from the sea. With the help of my husband, Drew, hundreds of pieces of driftwood were collected and assembled to create the nearly 6-foot dorsal fin that belongs to Blackberry. White shells were used to represent his distinct saddle patch. I like to think that the wood, the shells, and Blackberry have all shared the same sea.

Losing these highly intelligent, emotional creatures is, to me, unthinkable, criminal. We have yet to learn so much from them. It is my hope that a bit of the mystery and magic of the sea and of the Southern Residents resounds in the work and inspires others to hold them sacred.