Takaya Amongst the Camas

When I first discovered Takaya I was impressed by his story and unique spirit that I felt compelled to do a painting in his honour. An aspect I find particularly fascinating was the solitary existence he led on an island that was not suited to the typical prey he would hunt. He demonstrated grit and resourcefulness by adapting to hunt seals in a remarkable way, turning this hardship into a benefit to all the endangered birdlife surrounding the islands. When I think of Takaya I think of a non-conformist, a mould breaker who left his mark on the world and changed it for the better. I tried to convey this through his lonesome, misty howls emerging into camas flowers which he could be found lying amongst in the sun.