Acrylic on canvas – 8 x 8 inch – Unique work

Alone facing the sea, eyes closed, I listen to the sound of the waves and feel the salty spray washing over my face. I am here on the shore, and I feel at peace.

I think of all those fish, mammals, shellfish, and crustaceans… I picture them free and happy. Yet, the ocean depths are in danger. Writing about the vast subject of ecology isn’t usually my style, and yet, as I look at my painting, this marine world compels me. How about a story set in the deep blue? It certainly appeals to me.

This is the story of a dolphin who goes by the sweet name of Flipper (get it?). While accompanying his parents to the big annual market held in December, Flipper gets lost in the crowd. Instead of panicking, he frolics among the stalls. He’d love to taste those little dried fish; they look delicious. But he doesn’t have any money—what a shame. He spots a female of his species who looks quite shy. He doesn’t dare approach her at all; he’s terrified of how she might react. The worst thing would be scaring her off or having her complain to her parents. What kind of impression would Flipper make then?

He has been wandering among the stalls for quite some time. It is high time he started looking for his own parents. Thirty minutes later, he still hasn’t found them. To be honest, he is starting to get worried. His aimless circling catches the attention of a male dolphin. Clearly concerned, the dolphin swims over to ask what is wrong. But wait—it’s the father of the young female he noticed earlier. How embarrassing… Flipper has been busted; after this, he’ll never be able to pass himself off as a hero again. He’ll have to come up with a different approach. But then again, that isn’t the most pressing issue right now.

While taking a stroll through the street market—just the “guys”—they happen to run into his parents. His parents had been worried sick. They don’t scold him right away; they’ll lecture him later, once they’re back home. There’s no point making a scene in front of the crowd that has gathered around them.

All’s well that ends well. Wait, could this be an eyewink from his future better half?