Lisa G. is a watercolour wildlife artist based on Vancouver Island, BC.
Where did your whale love start?
My whale love started relatively recently. I know many whale-fanatics but it was always the little creatures that drew me in the most. I loved whales and appreciated them but never truly “felt” their magic until I started painting them. They are by far my most requested animal for commissions, and because of this I spent hours studying their bodies, their faces, and how they move. I had seen a couple different species before, but it’s always been the Humpback that I have been desperate to see. Finally I saw my first one this October and I seriously believe my life has changed because of it!
What current ocean conservation issue do you feel most strongly about?
My strongest ocean conservation issue has to plastic. Not only is it a huge threat to marine life, but I also think it’s one of the hardest as a consumer to avoid (even if you want to). I think it is not only important for us to focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling for ourselves, but I love supporting companies and individuals who go out of their way to avoid plastic use.
What have you changed in your life to help save whales?
As my passion for the ocean has grown, so has my consumer conscious. I am aware that every purchase we make is part of something much larger. I try to avoid one-time use products as much as possible, and always buy second-hand for everything if I can. I have also recently realized the value in fixing things. We’ve become so conditioned to throw something once it’s broken, because “it’s cheaper to buy a new one”, but that is a very wasteful mentality. And since fixing a lot of my old things instead of throwing them out, I’ve actually got more attached to the items, so in turn they have a much greater value to me now! So it works well for everyone.
What advice would you give to others to take steps in their lives to help whales?
Advice for anyone wanting to help save whales, I think learn about them. Learn about their lives, what they do, why they do it. Learn about their threats and the different things you can do to help. Find one or two small changes that would be easy for you to do, and start there. Then tell some friends do the same. A lot of people doing little things, still makes a big difference.
Any whale tales to share?
My only real whale tale is the one I posted recently if you want to share that one!
-Lisa G.
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