4. The Orca’s First Voyage: A Tale of Independence and Adventure
Introduction
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In the vast, open waters of the Pacific Northwest, the orca, or killer whale, embarks on its first solo voyage. This mural captures the essence of that journey, symbolizing independence, courage, and the spirit of adventure. Join me as I share the story behind this piece and the inspiration that brought it to life.
Bill Pfeifer standing in front of the Orca mural in Seattle
Inspiration and Concept
The orca is a revered figure in Tlingit culture, representing family, community, and the ocean’s mysteries. This mural was inspired by the moment when a young orca ventures out on its own for the first time, a rite of passage that mirrors our own journeys towards independence. The mural is a tribute to the courage it takes to step into the unknown and the adventures that await. During my life I have ventured out by myself without any safety net or support network, with delightful, though unexpected, outcomes. One such adventure was to do a national exchange to Hawaii during undergrad. This decision early on in my life has really formed me into who I am today. I continue to push into the unknown and it truly builds character. I wanted to inspire others to do the same after looking at this mural.
Of course, the Salish Sea and Tongass Narrows delight in the presence of these splendid creatures. Many who are familiar with the Pacific Northwest might even think first of the Orca when looking out into the vast waters. As this is an icon of the area, I wanted to do it justice and draw attention to the traditional artforms of Formline design at the same time.
Detailed view of water and movement
The choice of a tropical blue rather than the darker hues of Alaska’s waters suggests a theme of exploration and discovery, evoking a mood of curiosity and openness to new experiences. The ocean in the background was left blank on purpose to let the viewer not only focus on the forms of the whale, but also to insist on the water’s unknown. Similar to when a person takes a leap of faith, there is a sense of “anything could happen” running through their mind.
The orca’s solitary presence in the vast ocean can symbolize the journey of self-discovery, the search for identity, or the experience of being away from one’s traditional home. Even today, I am living in Washington instead of my home in Southeast Alaska.
Design and Process
The mural features a young orca swimming through the deep blue waters, created with traditional Tlingit formline designs. The orca’s sleek, powerful form is depicted in motion, capturing the energy and excitement of its first solo voyage. I began with detailed sketches, incorporating elements of urban graffiti colors and dynamic anime forms to add a contemporary touch. Using celshading techniques, I added depth and movement to the mural, making the orca appear as if it’s gliding through the water.
The cel-shading technique brings the creature to life, making it leap off the canvas, while the absence of a background emphasizes the vastness of the deep sea—a realm without borders, much like the orca itself. The blowhole’s expulsion, inspired by anime’s dynamic expression, adds a burst of energy to the scene. Hidden faces within the orca’s belly, serving as ribs, invite a closer look, revealing layers of meaning and connection. The non-traditional front flipper and the totemic face carve a new path in the formline art form, honoring its roots while daring to innovate.
Details showing the front flipper and the ancestor face.
In particular, I experimented with trying to make some of the the trigons appear to be carved away, just as they would be if this was a totem figure. I also wanted to approach these murals with a new technique, rarely seen in traditional Tlingit formline, which was to give the 2d mural a sense of depth. With shading I was attempting to mimic what the carved totem poles, mask, and hats look like.
Note the details of the trigons carved away, using simple shading
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was conveying the sense of movement and freedom while staying true to Tlingit artistic traditions. This required a careful balance of traditional and modern elements. Additionally, working on a large scale presented logistical challenges, including a door that would often obstruct the view of the back of the whale. Luckily, I was able to bring the mural to life, and ensure that when blocked the mural still appears to depict an orca.
To make the image look carved I also wanted to choose a color palette that would echo the traditions of my people and the culture surrounded by wood, particularly yellow cedar. I chose a cream color for the negative space to try and accomplish this effect, and stuck with a solid black primary formline. This allowed me to still play with more vibrant colors for the secondary and tertiary colors, which I like using magenta and cyan.
Framed print of the Orca’s First Voyage
Community Impact
The Orca’s First Voyage mural has resonated deeply with the local community. It has sparked conversations about the themes of independence and adventure, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own journeys. The mural will also serve as an educational tool, teaching younger generations about the significance of the orca in Tlingit culture and the importance of embracing new experiences.
Conclusion
The Orca’s First Voyage mural is more than just a piece of art; it is a celebration of the courage it takes to embark on new journeys and the adventures that await. I invite you to visit the mural, reflect on your own experiences of independence, and join me in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.
Previous Mural Description: 3. The Mentor Bear: Honoring Wisdom and Guidance
Next Mural Description: 5. The Shark and Jellyfish: Ancestral Waters
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