Seal Pup Bowl (2021) by Veronica Rose Waechter

Alder, sea lion whiskers, shells, acrylic paint (Whiskers gifted by Henry Kelly, shells gifted by Sharon Oskey )

Artist Statement:

A young seal makes ripples in the shallow waters as it watches all those near the shore. Keeping their distance, their large eyes and whiskers are all you can see coming out of the water, like a cute little alien being. Seals are very connected to the water and have a hypersensitivity to movement, but keep their distance unless they are feeling playful. This seal bowl can hold precious items to keep them safe and under the watchful eye of a young seal.

This piece of wood was found fallen, collected respectively, carved carefully with handmade and hand sharpened tools, slowly dried layer by layer, shapes formed, design prepared, sanded carefully, then inlayed with shells and whiskers, and finally painted and coated with lemon oil.