Ocean Hitchhiker is from the collection Curious Encounters.
A quiet moment of awareness captured mid-motion.
A young sea turtle swims forward, instinctively glancing back to discover a small plastic tugboat trailing behind. Tangled by a fine string, the toy has become an uninvited passenger - a weight the turtle never chose, yet carries all the same.
At first, the image might appear playful. But on closer reflection, it speaks to something deeper: how plastic debris has become so common that sea creatures must adapt, even when it means dragging pieces of our world into theirs.
There's a resilience in this turtle's journey - a quiet perseverance in the face of disruption. The tugboat, once a symbol of human industry and childhood wonder, now reappears as a silent reminder of our interconnected impact.
This piece gently invites the viewer to consider the unnoticed burdens carried by wildlife, and the small changes we might make to lighten the load.
Original oil on wood panel
12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 cm) - artwork only
13 x 13 inches (33 x 33 cm) - including frame
Framed in a classic black frame, ready to hang.
A portion of proceeds supports ocean conservation.
If this piece stirs something in you or feels like a story you've known - you're warmly invited to get in touch here.
