Well I never came across any sea turtles while fishing in Pennsylvania. It’s strange how sometimes the little experiences in life can turn out to be so influential. If I hadn’t seen the two sea turtles while fishing off the coast of Sullivan’s Island a couple of years ago, I don’t know what I’d be painting today!
Imaginative concepts for painting sea turtles
by Kelly Petrie, founder of Maitri Center
When you visit the Maitri Center, you will notice this painting of Truman the sea turtle gracing the walls. His home at the center is truly a story of serendipity at its finest!
The painting was created by my longtime, talented friend, Toril Booker-Fisher, who I have always admired as a role model of compassion and generosity. She embodies maitri to the fullest! She painted Truman as part of what she calls her Wallflower Series of Endangered Species. He is one of many stunning pieces featuring endangered animals represented against a backdrop of floral “wallpaper”.
In July 2019, Toril displayed her beautiful work at the Art Fair on the Square in Madison. I was in Boulder at the time teaching at Naropa University, so I missed seeing her and her work. My husband, Glenn, however, stopped at her booth to say hello and secretly purchased this painting to give to me for Christmas. I had no clue whatsoever. And neither of us had a clue that I would be opening a mindfulness center that fall.
Fast forward to early October 2019 when I acquired my new business space by complete happenstance (which at that time was a blank slate). I invited my friend and yoga mentor, Stephanie Shong, and her young daughter to come see it and help me envision decorating possibilities. As Stephanie and I were looking at paint chips and discussing ideas, her daughter “swam” along the big, wide-open floor pretending to be a sea turtle. It was incredibly charming. My husband knew nothing of this happening.
A week or so later, Toril and her husband came to visit us from Sheboygan and secretly brought the painting with them to give to Glenn. At this point, he decided not to wait until Christmas, but gave it to me early because he thought I might like to consider it for my new space. I was completely stunned!
After letting it sink in a bit, and remembering my little friend’s imaginary play, I felt like there was something really special about sea turtles showing up in my world unexpectedly like this. So I became curious and looked up the symbolic meaning of sea turtles. I found this lovely description from https://www.tanyacasteel.com/project/sea-turtle/ :
Sea Turtle symbolizes longevity, peace, grounding, ancient wisdom, and emotional strength.
Turtle carries the world on its back, grounding it wherever it goes.
Turtle is determined and persistent as it slowly moves on land, steadily evolving physically.
By slowing down and pacing yourself you can endure the chaos of life’s transformational cycles with ease.
Turtle moves swiftly through water, learning to navigate its sensitivity to others’ emotions.
At times it can feel like an emotional tsunami as you navigate through the deep waters of the world’s emotions.
By practicing non-attachment, you can be at peace with your own path and appreciate all aspects of yourself.
Keeping a steadfast mind will bring confidence and calm to your emotional state, as well as peace and acceptance to your unique path.
“Being at peace with your own path and appreciating all aspects of yourself” . this is maitri! Wow!
I also found this online:
The turtle symbolism is characterized by the association with the Earth and earth symbols of groundedness and patience. For the native Hawaiian, it is said that the Turtle carried the weight of that continent on her back. The turtle totem means you have an affinity with the ancient wisdom of the earth. You are naturally tuned into the elements, land, people, and animals.
Another big wow! As part of the Contemplative Education program at Naropa University, we study in depth something known as Maitri Space Awareness, which in a nut shell has to do with the elemental wisdom of earth, water, fire, wind, and space!
And so, it felt like Truman was truly called to have a home at the Maitri Center. As a result, I felt inspired to create an earthy, nature-like feel to the space. Nature’s healing qualities are so incredibly important to our wellbeing, and Truman serves to remind us of our innate wisdom to love, care for, and protect all beings – including ourselves. When we truly care for ourselves, it makes it a whole lot easier to extend maitri to others.
Upon sharing this story of Truman, many people have reached out to tell me their personal connection to sea turtles. I invite you to share your stories and strengthen the significance and sacredness of our interconnectedness!
For more information about Toril’s artwork, please visit her facebook page . Her recent Divine Ambiguity series will touch a tender and raw place in your heart. If you happen to visit Sheboygan and want to see her work in person, schedule a private showing at her in-home gallery, stay in her onsite Airbnb, and savor time spent with this incredible human being!
Why do you love to paint wildlife, especially sea turtles?
I am an animal lover! I’ve always loved animals ever since I was a kid. I was always trying to get my mom to let me adopt anything and everything. I had ducks, dogs, guinea pigs, cats, and newts just to name a few. When I first moved to Charleston I was fishing on a boat off the coast of Sullivan’s Island when I encountered two sea turtles. It was love at first sight!
My favorite sea turtle fact is that they have magnetite in their brains. This serves as an internal magnetic compass to help them navigate around the world. It also helps the females make their way back to their natal beach to lay their eggs.
What is your background in art?
In 2012 I graduated from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a degree in Studio Art. While I was in college I spent 5 months studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I filled my schedule with art classes and got to travel around Europe to experience and learn from some of the best artists!
I tend to paint with mostly acrylic paints. Sometimes I’ll change it up a bit and do some watercolor pencil paintings or wood burnings.
What is your creative process?
This might sound strange, but most of my creativity is a result of my research. I think it is very important to research your subject before painting it, and the more I read about the animals, the more ideas I get for paintings. Listening to music also helps get the creative juices flowing; you can sometimes find me dancing around my studio while I’m painting.
Learning the stories behind each declining or endangered species is my biggest inspiration. My goal is to help raise awareness through my artwork, and my pieces are often accompanied by a short story about conservation. Being able to help educate others about our threatened species is a very stimulating and rewarding opportunity.
How to create a turtle | Get creative with Merlin Annual Pass
Passholders – it’s time to kickstart the summer holiday by getting creative with Merlin Annual Pass! From 26th July – 8th August, kids can get involved with fun Merlin related arts and crafts including drawing, painting, building and more. Post your creations on social media to be in with the chance to win some awesome prizes including animal feeds, fastracks, VIP experiences and more!
This turtle craft is the perfect activity for preschoolers and kids of all ages who love visiting the turtles at SEA LIFE. To be in with the chance to with a Turtle Feed at SEA LIFE Manchester, post your turtle creation on Facebook when we announce the competition on Friday 6th August.
What you’ll need for this activity:
1. Paint the paper plate with brown paint and let dry.
2. Lightly paint green paint over the top of the brown paint and let dry.
3. Print out the attachment on green paper or card. Then cut out the turtle’s wings and flippers (you can draw your own if you like and colour them green!).
4. When the paint is dry, draw your scales on the turtle’s shell with a black pen.
5. Staple the head, wings and flippers to the turtle’s shell.
6. Lastly, add goggly eyes and detail to the turtle!
Don’t forget to post your awesome creation on our Facebook page when we announce the Turtle Feed competition week commencing 26th July!
