Strength of the Salish Sea
EXHIBITION:
Stonington Celebrates 45 Years!“This watercolor painting honors the powerful story of Tahlequah, the mother orca who carried her stillborn calf for 17 days, a testament to the strength of love and connection in the natural world. The vibrant blues, turquoise, and purples flow like the ocean, celebrating the beauty and resilience of life along the Pacific Northwest coast. The teardrop shape holds the graceful silhouette of Tahlequah, her orca form representing both the enduring spirit of motherhood and the depth of emotion we share with the world around us.
Within the teardrop, a circle cradles the image of her calf, gently glowing with color and saturation given to it by its mother. This symbolizes how we pour ourselves—our energy, love, and care—into our children and family, enriching their lives with our essence. Though the story stems from loss, the artwork speaks to the beauty found in these connections and how love transcends even the hardest moments. Tahlequah’s journey reflects the strength of community and the quiet, enduring grace of nature. This piece reminds us that even in sadness, there is beauty and resilience, just as the Pacific Northwest is rich in both.”
-Amber Spindel