Interest in our oceans

Are you an angler, or just interested in the well-being of the world's oceans? Then check out the links on this posting for great opportunities in helping and learning about the marine world. 

First, check out the Large Pelagics Research Center headed by Dr. Molly Lutcavage out of University of Massachusetts Amherst's Gloucester station. There is a plethora of good information here as well as a link to Tag a Tiny, a program dedicating to learning about Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. If you're an angler (commercial or recreational), you can receive tags and help with the study!

All tunas are pretty important, especially those globally consumed. Yellowfin Tuna is also on that list. If you are a recreational angler interested in the possible collection of data on yellowfin to help national and international management of the species, call in THIS Friday, 27 April 2012, to be a part of a public conference call discussing the history and future of gathering data on this species.

Getting back to Bluefin tuna, and all highly migratory species, NMFS is hosting meeting down the Atlantic coast pertaining to whether the existing management of HMS is working or if amendments should take effect. The meetings are public and can be found on the official announcement.

If you're in the Boston area of Massachusetts, come check out the Aquarium Lecture Series! This week, Dr. Greg Stone will be speaking about the state of the oceans as well as the ocean health index. Each talk is free, and only ask that you register so the staff knows how many people will be there.

Another great talk is on 29 April at Boston's Museum of Science. The panel focuses on the sustainability of the seafood we eat during our generation and generations to come. This is also a free event, but are kindly asked to register!

So, go out and fish to help understand our target species! Come out and listen to professionals talk about their research in the field, and discuss the hot topics of the oceans!

New beginnings

What do the Andrea Gail, Wicked Tuna, and I have in common starting tomorrow? We share Gloucester, Massachusetts as our homebase for work. While one was a swordfish boat, the other is a popular series about fishing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. I will not be in the commercial sector, but working towards sustainability for all species sought in the oceans.

Aside from that, a new ink will be posted on Etsy by the end of the week. Once I name it and take photos of the finished product, it will be posted!  For now, enjoy a photo of the beginning...

New to-be-named ink of a sea jelly.  To be posted on Etsy later this week!

Back on Track

Okay, so I have been horrible with these weekly posts! I have been mainly posting to Twitter because it's quick, easy, and done on my phone. Now that life is back on track, I'll be posting weekly again, I promise. To give you an update on life...

We are moved into our new place and the studio is fully functioning.  The weekend of the move, I had two orders for Truffula Trees and one for Unless from the Lorax. After that, I have been busy decorating the house and filling a custom order of Picasso Triggerfish, Mandarin Goby, customized Fathoms Below, Queen Triggerfish, Lionfish, and a custom piece called Turtles to the Surface.

Turtles to the Surface

Closeup of leatherback sea turtle for Turtles to the Surface.

Closeup of Kemps Ridley sea turtle for Turtles to the Surface.

Now with a custom narwhal completed, I am ready to continue. Monday starts my 'real' job, but I will continue with all art forms. As always, I have an idea for something new, but it will be awhile before it comes to full action. I promise when it does, it'll be grand!

There is also a cute new crochet octopus named Little Blue on Etsy as well as some more Dr Seuss inspired works.

For now, check (and follow me on!) Twitter for links to fun, interesting, and inspiring stories, and random updates on my work. Even check my flickr stream for quick photos on the randomness of life.

Teaching old dogs new tricks

Man, have these posted been spotty lately! They will continue to be, but for now, I do have a few updates. First, things will be slow on here and on Etsy.  I, along with my studio, will be moving locations to somewhere slightly more urban.

Second, here is the first of two paintings for the fundraising customer. It is entitled 'Rockport Harbor' and is done in oils. The painting is done on stretched canvas board and will be sold including the frame pictured.

I also re-ignited my fascination of Dr. Suess' The Lorax.  Yes, I cannot wait to see the movie, but I also am remembering how much I enjoyed and still enjoy the book. For that reason, I began working on a few watercolors from The Lorax. The first is a 8 x 10 watercolor and ink of the truffula trees which the Lorax protects. There will be two more watercolor and inks completed. When they are done, all three will be sold together on Etsy as well as individually.

Visit the Lorax and the rest of the Suess characters on Suessville for some fun! You'll even be able to make your very own you!  Let me introduce you to me, Lola Sala-Ma McFuzz! How fun!

Fourth, it is sad news that Jan Berenstain of the Berenstain Bears books passed away at the age of 88. Jan and Stan wrote books about a family of bears and the trials they went through on a regular basis. Each story taught the readers that life is not perfect, but that anyone can overcome any obstacle that is put in front of them.  Read the books to your kids or for yourself and remember the goodness and kindness of Jan Berenstain.

Time keeps on slippin'

No, I did not post last week. Shame befalls me!  However, I am back this week with little to say and less time to say it in. I am near completion for one commissioned painting and am working on the other now.  I also have been commissioned to outfit a vacation home with artwork in Sarasota, Florida...needless to say, things will be busy! When items are completed, they will appear here! For now, check flickr and twitter for any photos and new ideas that might be sprouting!

Bragadocious

I really am not one to toot my own horn, really, I'm not. I am, however, excited about the few pieces I have posted on Etsy since the post last week. I don't have much, but what I do have posted, I adore! First off, a couple of photographs have made it into the OOD store.  First, we have 'Man at the Wheel', a close up of the statue of the same name located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It is a beautiful statue, commemorating all those who have been lost at sea.

'Man at the Wheel' -8 x 10 photograph available at  OOD.

The second photograph is of another iconic subject in New England, the Motif No. 1 in Rockport, Massachusetts. Only a few miles away from Gloucester, Motif No. 1 is one of the most painted and photographed buildings in New England, if not the United States. It has a history almost as old as Rockport making it a strong representative of the area. Soon, you will be able to see more images of Motif No. 1 on flickr. 

The Wall of Motif No. 1 - 8 x 10 photograph available at OOD.

Aside from these photographs, I have finally finished the long-awaited crochet project I have been working on. It is one that I am quite proud of and I am excited to make more similar pieces. Behold, the Octopus Scarf! Nearly 8 feet long and crocheted with acrylic yarn, the scarf is supremely warm and can be wrapped around for added warmth. The suction cups on the arms add a little flare and make it seem as if an octopus might actually be holding on for a ride!

Aside from the joys of these three pieces, I have also been commissioned to create pieces for a fundraiser auction being held in April!  The two pieces will be 11 x 14 oils on canvas of New England maritime scenery. As they are completed, they will be posted on here and OOD on Etsy for anyone who may want a version of their very own!

Keep On, Keep On

No, nothing new to show this week...thus far.  I do have a work in progress, plus a few ideas on the way. Two of the few ideas revolve around commissions I have for a fundraising event. As soon as they are started, they will be posted, step by step! 

For now, check out a video from the American Museum of Natural History about how dolphins and whales might play with each other. Right, dolphins are whales (but not all whales are dolphins), as in they are all in the family Delphinidae, small whales within the suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales). Yes, Orcas, or Killer Whales, are the largest of the dolphins. No, Belugas are not dolphins, but they still are toothed whales.  Getting back to the point...

Bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales have been seen interacting with each other in the most unusual of ways around the Hawaiian islands. Photos have been taken of bottlenose dolphins seemingly taking rides on humpback whales out of the water. Scientists are attempting to decipher what exactly is happening. So far, conclusions point to simple enjoyment.

Watch the Whales!