J Pod has new babies and I scored a new commission
One of my fabulous friends asked me to create a painting for a loved one’s birthday earlier this month. She wanted to give a gift that would be reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. An image of an orca mother and baby swimming instantly came to mind. J Pod of the Southern Resident Orcas (aka the orcas of the PNW) had two new births this year, and one last year. This is especially wonderful news because they’re the same pod who tragically lost a calf two years ago and has been dwindling in numbers. To celebrate Megan’s friend, and J Pod’s new additions, I created an ink painting of Tofino and her calf that was born last year, Tsuchi. Tofino is known to behave like a nursemaid to new mothers within the pod. My friend Megan is one of the most encouraging and nurturing people I know—she even gives pep talks to my cat!!—so it seemed fitting to choose the whale momma who behaves in the same way for the painting. The person receiving the gift absolutely loved it, and I absolutely loved the process of creating this piece. I hope you enjoy it too!
A quick sketch to get the idea down.
J Pod Commission Copyright 2020 Leah Fadness
In the frame and ready to go! Copyright 2020 Leah Fadness
