Whale Hoops

On November 17, 2021, I spent a day in the ocean, that would change my life forever. A friend and dive expert, took us out on his boat. From a close distance, he spotted a mother and baby whale. I never expected to be able to swim up close to them, but that day, we were able to respectfully approach. Keeping a safe distance, the mother allowed us to stay with them almost the entire day. The two swam side by side, the mom always kept an eye on her baby, and us. 

Diving next to a 40 foot whale can be a humbling experience, but witnessing the mother whale protecting her baby, while at the same time acknowledging our presence was a moment that profoundly affected me. It was as though time stood still while her eye stared directly at me. In that moment, I realized just how small we are in this universe. As humans, we are only a tiny piece of this planet, and mother nature has a way of reminding us to take care of her.  I would have never expected that floating in the ocean would become such a grounding experience. 

I immediately came home and designed this piece, with the intention of giving back. 10% of profits will be donated to ocean preservation.  - Anahera