Eunsil KimMost of my artwork is influenced by whatever is around me. Such as nature, people, the news of the world. I walk in the Mission Creek Nature Park a lot. One of my favorite things to do in this park is listen to bird song. Just stand on some corner and listen. Everything quiets down. Start with one ‘chirp’ and suddenly I am surrounded by sound. More birds are joining and other sounds are too. Sometimes with sunlight sparkling with dogs barking. Sometimes lightly misted grass brushing my ankle. Sometime rain drops on my lover’s rain jacket. This is my temple and sanctuary and my place to go for prayer and peace. This, my clay bird, invites you to join the singing.Paula McHugh
Paula McHugh is an American artist whose paintings are inspired by musical titles from traditional American and Celtic tunes. Her artworks are created in oil, egg tempera, and watercolor. Set behind the ever popular Fiddle Fest they're a perfect accompaniment to our room.Since 2008 I have been working on a series of oil and egg tempera paintings based on the evocative titles of traditional American fiddle music. The great idea of America is that it is a melding of many cultures and American fiddle music reflects some of that diversity.
Immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and other European countries crossed a vast ocean in hopes of finding a better life, bringing with them their musical traditions. The weaving together of these traditions with the music of Native Americans and enslaved African men and women created a unique style of folk music of which the fiddle tune played an important role both in providing moments of artistic release for people struggling just to survive and facilitating social interaction at dances, weddings, fiddle contests, and other community rituals. There have been thousands of fiddle tunes written. Some fiddle tune titles conjure up images from the natural world, June Apple, Spring the Valley—or they pertain to rural folkways—Dusty Miller, Bull at the Wagon, Boatman. Others commemorate significant events in American history—Off to California, Booth Shot Lincoln. My goal as an artist is to capture the soul behind this essential American music in my paintings, to help us better understand and appreciate the human condition both past and present.
Many artists title their work upon completion. I work my compositions in reverse. Beginning with a well-known or obscure musical title I research any history I can find about it, then I go about developing my ideas. I strive to tap into the wellspring of the collective memory, the places and experiences that shaped us as a people, along with their moments of courage, loss, faith, love, cooperation, and humor. I began this series of paintings working in watercolor and egg tempera but then turned to oils for the richness and depth this medium offers. My horizon lines and landscapes are often curved to echo the melodic nature of the music I portray.
Cammie Fullenwider
Hello, my name is Cammie and as a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, I have long been captivated by the majestic orca whales that call these waters home. Growing up in the shadow of the Salish Sea, I've witnessed firsthand the grace and intelligence of these incredible creatures, and it is this deep reverence and appreciation that has inspired my artistic journey and the creation of 23rd & Otter, my soon-to-launch small business.
I reconnected with my passion for creating art after my son, now a thriving 15-year-old, grew older and more independent. Starting with jewelry-making and then moving into the realm of paper mâché sculptures, I found that each piece I crafted allowed me to pour my heart and soul into honoring the orcas and their vital role in our shared ecosystem.
One of my most poignant and powerful creations is the sculpture Tokitae, who was stolen from the Salish Sea in 1970 and spent 55 long years in captivity at SeaWorld. Crafting this piece was a deeply emotional experience, as I infused it with my sorrow, apologies, and unwavering belief that these magnificent creatures deserve the same respect and freedom that we demand as humans. The process of creating Tokitae's sculpture provided extraordinary healing for me, allowing me to infuse the grief and respect for these Earthlings and the injustices she endured and to find a way to honor her memory and that of her family.
When Tokitae was complete it was clear to me she could not be alone and more followed, bringing her pod back to her and individually created with a sense of reverence, healing, and a call to action.
These pieces are not just works of art, but vessels for storytelling and raising awareness about the plight of the orcas and the urgent need to protect their habitat and way of life.
Alongside my orca sculptures, I've also created "Rachel the Cosmic Egg," which pay homage to the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing both darkness and light on our individual and collective journeys. These pieces serve as reminders that even in the face of adversity, there is always the promise of renewal and rebirth.
As I prepare to launch 23rd and Otter, I'm excited to share my art with a wider audience and to continue using my creative voice to celebrate the orcas and raise awareness about the need to preserve their rightful place in our world. I invite you to join me on this journey and to become a steward of these incredible animals by investing in my sculptures and art. Each piece is a testament to the beauty, resilience, and interconnectedness of the natural world, and a heartfelt plea to protect and cherish the orcas that call the Pacific Northwest home.