HOME | DD

Description
Day 7: Blue Whale (Antarctica)

"Without a home to go back to, the mother took to the skies. A rain of saltwater dripped down from her fins- whether from the ocean or tears, no one could say. Thunder bellowed and lightning encased her, as she hovered above the desert that would be her grave."

This was a difficult subject for me to paint. Reading the literal massacre of the blue whales was likely the most upsetting history I have read during this project. It may be dark, but this is what came to my mind and it's not far from the truth really. I've said it before, but we need to do better. With my final piece done, I have supplied the fact cards, but you may be asking what can I actually do to help? I will be making a compilation post either today or tomorrow outlining what steps or efforts you can take to reduce the impact on these amazing animals. Never forget- this is their home too. Especially in the case of the ocean- it is far more theirs than ours.

I also apologize for how late it is, but I wanted to do it justice- as it so deserves.

Simplified list of what is on the fact card:

• The largest animal ever known to have existed. They reach 98 ft in length and weigh 199 tons. Lifespan is 80-90 years.
• Whaling reduced their population by an estimated 99%. Today less Blue Whales exist than what was hunted in a single season.
• Now protected from whaling, they continue to be threatened by ship strikes, pollution, noise, oil spills and climate change.

Description
Day 7: Blue Whale (Antarctica)

"Without a home to go back to, the mother took to the skies. A rain of saltwater dripped down from her fins- whether from the ocean or tears, no one could say. Thunder bellowed and lightning encased her, as she hovered above the desert that would be her grave."

This was a difficult subject for me to paint. Reading the literal massacre of the blue whales was likely the most upsetting history I have read during this project. It may be dark, but this is what came to my mind and it's not far from the truth really. I've said it before, but we need to do better. With my final piece done, I have supplied the fact cards, but you may be asking what can I actually do to help? I will be making a compilation post either today or tomorrow outlining what steps or efforts you can take to reduce the impact on these amazing animals. Never forget- this is their home too. Especially in the case of the ocean- it is far more theirs than ours.

I also apologize for how late it is, but I wanted to do it justice- as it so deserves.

Simplified list of what is on the fact card:

• The largest animal ever known to have existed. They reach 98 ft in length and weigh 199 tons. Lifespan is 80-90 years.
• Whaling reduced their population by an estimated 99%. Today less Blue Whales exist than what was hunted in a single season.
• Now protected from whaling, they continue to be threatened by ship strikes, pollution, noise, oil spills and climate change.