"Takaya, Water Wolf" by Laurie Crawford
Artist Statement
“Takaya pulled at my heartstrings from the first time I saw him featured on The Nature of Things. My professional work is in fisheries so the fact that Takaya was living a solitary life isolated on a few small islands eating a seafood diet and diffing for fresh water, just amazed me. It inspired me to take an interest in the plight of the Coastal wolves. When I heard of his passing, and the way that it transpired, it broke my heart. More so for Cheryl Alexander than myself. Watching her eyes light up whenever she heard Takaya howl...it was just beautiful to see the bond that existed. Stardust Warrior is a painting of Takaya in the afterlife. Some symbolism exists in the painting: the lone tree, the moon featuring the Songhees symbol for fish, and the feathers in his fur. In my heart I feel he is still out there roaming his islands...I hope he's found peace.”
Artist Bio
Laurie was raised in central Ontario on Lake Manitouwabing near Parry Sound. Much of her life was spent on Georgian Bay, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and the Muskoka Lakes. Her appreciation of rock and water was enhanced by her professional work with the Canadian Coast Guard. A change in career paths brought Laurie to the west, where she fell in love with the Rockies and East Kootenay wildlife and landscapes. Laurie's professional education was first in architecture and then environmental sciences. Both of these have given her an appreciation of spatial awareness, structure, and the natural environment. Her subject matter varies; however, her intent is to bring the outside in. The work she produces tends to blossom with colour and is inspired by British Columbia's beautiful vistas.
Artist Statement
“Takaya pulled at my heartstrings from the first time I saw him featured on The Nature of Things. My professional work is in fisheries so the fact that Takaya was living a solitary life isolated on a few small islands eating a seafood diet and diffing for fresh water, just amazed me. It inspired me to take an interest in the plight of the Coastal wolves. When I heard of his passing, and the way that it transpired, it broke my heart. More so for Cheryl Alexander than myself. Watching her eyes light up whenever she heard Takaya howl...it was just beautiful to see the bond that existed. Stardust Warrior is a painting of Takaya in the afterlife. Some symbolism exists in the painting: the lone tree, the moon featuring the Songhees symbol for fish, and the feathers in his fur. In my heart I feel he is still out there roaming his islands...I hope he's found peace.”
Artist Bio
Laurie was raised in central Ontario on Lake Manitouwabing near Parry Sound. Much of her life was spent on Georgian Bay, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and the Muskoka Lakes. Her appreciation of rock and water was enhanced by her professional work with the Canadian Coast Guard. A change in career paths brought Laurie to the west, where she fell in love with the Rockies and East Kootenay wildlife and landscapes. Laurie's professional education was first in architecture and then environmental sciences. Both of these have given her an appreciation of spatial awareness, structure, and the natural environment. Her subject matter varies; however, her intent is to bring the outside in. The work she produces tends to blossom with colour and is inspired by British Columbia's beautiful vistas.
Artist Statement
“Takaya pulled at my heartstrings from the first time I saw him featured on The Nature of Things. My professional work is in fisheries so the fact that Takaya was living a solitary life isolated on a few small islands eating a seafood diet and diffing for fresh water, just amazed me. It inspired me to take an interest in the plight of the Coastal wolves. When I heard of his passing, and the way that it transpired, it broke my heart. More so for Cheryl Alexander than myself. Watching her eyes light up whenever she heard Takaya howl...it was just beautiful to see the bond that existed. Stardust Warrior is a painting of Takaya in the afterlife. Some symbolism exists in the painting: the lone tree, the moon featuring the Songhees symbol for fish, and the feathers in his fur. In my heart I feel he is still out there roaming his islands...I hope he's found peace.”
Artist Bio
Laurie was raised in central Ontario on Lake Manitouwabing near Parry Sound. Much of her life was spent on Georgian Bay, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and the Muskoka Lakes. Her appreciation of rock and water was enhanced by her professional work with the Canadian Coast Guard. A change in career paths brought Laurie to the west, where she fell in love with the Rockies and East Kootenay wildlife and landscapes. Laurie's professional education was first in architecture and then environmental sciences. Both of these have given her an appreciation of spatial awareness, structure, and the natural environment. Her subject matter varies; however, her intent is to bring the outside in. The work she produces tends to blossom with colour and is inspired by British Columbia's beautiful vistas.