Page 2 - OAS Magazine Q2 Summer

2 Cover photo by Christian Vizl
Ocean Artists Society Magazine is an outlet for the members to share their creativity. We welcome your observations, news and comments.
summer 2015
Letter from Wyland 2 Current OAS Members 3
With respect to marine mammals ...
The marine mammals of the world have given me an endless source of inspiration. I could say the sight of a humpback whale breaking the surface in a mighty breach never fails to fill me with awe; just as I could explain the excitement I feel when I witness the underwater acrobatics of a California sea lion. But as other artists in the OAS would agree the appeal of marine mammals goes much deeper. These cousins of ours have adapted to a completely different environment from the one we know and over time they have exhibited total mastery over it. All one has to do is watch a pod of orcas on the hunt to wonder who is truly the dominant species on planet earth. Of course, with all due respect to seals, dugongs, walrus, sea otters, polar bears and all animals in between, you shouldn’t have to weigh over ten tons to command the respect of the world. Fortunately, more and more of the general public have come to recognize the need for taking additional steps to protect these wonderful animals and their habitats. Laws such as the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act have helped shield marine mammals around the United States from harm. But there is much work to do to ensure these animals have a sustainable future. One of the best methods is the way the members of the OAS community can enlighten and delight the public with our photographs, art, and films. In this issue of the OAS Magazine we explore some of the similarities between marine mammals and ourselves – from the way they nurse and raise their young to the way they remain in contact with each other through their unique methods of communication. Perhaps by sharing the view that these animals are not so unlike us, we can continue to change attitudes and behaviors that can improve their prospects for survival.
— Wyland
Co-Founder, Ocean Artist Society Summer 2015
Letter from Wyland
Swimming Lessons
4
Sea Serenade
10
Seeing Spots
EDITOR
WYLAND STEVE CREECH
ART DIRECTOR
GREGG HAMBY
PRODUCTION PLANNER
MARCI VAHEY
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Ocean Artists Society Magazine | 6 Mason, Irvine, CA 92618 | oceanartistssociety.org | © 2015 Ocean Artists Society
WRITERS
STEVE CREECH
CONTRIBUTORS
DON HURZELER KEN KIEFER VANESSA MIGNON CHRISTIAN VIZL WYLAND
CONTENT