Monday, March 26, 2012

honu...

green sea turtle

green sea turtle

green sea turtle

i spent most of my life assuming there were no sea turtles along the bc coast. sea turtles were for tropical seas, and i had hoped to see one when i went to oahu a few years ago, to no luck. but here? it just never occurred to me, and i certainly didn't know of anyone who had ever seen one in these eastern north pacific waters. they are rarely mentioned in reference books of the coast. but recently i have started seeing sad stories about sea turtles found on the beach this past year, poor fellows washed ashore who even when care is provided have not pulled through. this could be a cycle of ocean currents, further signs of global warming, or just a curious coincidence of these amazing creatures finding an unfortunate end. you can make your own determinations about what you think is happening, but nonetheless my awareness has been raised about sea turtles in our coastal waters, and not just those in distress that make the news. there are several species that might be found off the coast all the way up to alaska, including the green sea turtle.

with the precariousness of coastal turtles in my mind, but also their beauty and grace as they swim through the sea, i crafted this little green turtle out of linens. the underside is all a pale green linen that i solar dyed last summer; i thought the gently mottled fabric would be good for his uneven skin tone. and i couldn't resist adding a few patches to his shell, a bit of bright green amongst all the others that make him a very spring-thinking fellow. his sturdy flippers are ready to guide him through the sea with powerful strokes, exploring the far corners of the ocean. would you like to swim along with him?

12 comments:

Els said...

Ah this turtle is a cute one ! Love the droopy eyes !
(Hope these wonderful creatures will survive for eons to come !)

Margie Oomen said...

he is so gorgeous
i love all the little details and colors
You have such a talent for translating nature to soft sculpture

rebecca said...

oooh! you are good!

kate said...

You are one talented stitcher, wow. Love his colours.

Roslyn said...

He is lovely! We have many sea turtles on the Australian coast, mainly up north around the Great Barrier Reef. They are a favourite of mine!

Dawn Suzette said...

K he is awesome. His expression is so wise and knowing. You did a spectacular job. So lucky the one who is going to find him in their mail!!

Deborah OHare said...

Wonderful!
I have been fortunate enough to see these magnificant creatures in the wild, and it is an experience that will stay with me for ever.

savo said...

Honu is a real character. Greatings from Germany

Kate said...

he is simply perfect! so characterful with his slightly mournful expression. you really are very talented.

Lucykate Crafts... said...

he is just lovely!

Rachel said...

This is pretty much perfect. Well done K, it's fabulous!

oh, albatross said...

he is absolutely perfect. love the eyes and the detailing.