Within moments of moving here almost nine years ago, we heard about Body Boat Blade – the kayaking pros renowned for the professionality of their ocean classes.
In college, I was part of UC Santa Barbara’s Adventure Programs, in which I learned first how to rockclimb and kayak, then how to instruct them. Then for a few summers I was a river guide. So naturally, my ears went up when I heard about the business Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme were running.
I don’t really know Leon and Shawna. We’ve passed each other walking multiple laps on the ferry’s upper deck to keep active on the boat ride across the Salish Sea to and from Orcas Island. What’s always stuck with me is their coziness and handholding even while getting in a lot of steps. They seem very in love.
No, I’ve been more an observer from the outside looking in. It’s kind of what I do, especially in these pandemic times when we can’t go inside places and hang out with each other.
What jumped out at me about Shawna a year or so ago were her paintings of crows. I don’t know where I first saw them, but I was immediately enamored with them – the colors she used, the shapes she made, and the closeness I felt to crows through her artistry.
I set out to show you her corvus work, but in going to her website today I was exponentially impressed. Not only are her crow paintings captivating, she does beautiful kelp prints, “simple life” prints that encapsulate life on Orcas Island, and fantastic botanical art.
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On top of that, I loved learning about who she is:
My entire life has been intersecting with my art.
I AM A PRINTMAKER, A PAINTER, A SCIENTIST, A READER, AN ATHLETE, AND A STUDENT OF BOTANICAL ART
At University, I sought a degree in both Biology and in Design. Over the years, I have worked as a field biologist, an art assistant with a fashion designer, a production assistant with an ad agency, as well as retail and food service. From 2001-2019, I was co-owner and co-founder of an internationally acclaimed and award winning Kayak School; Body Boat Blade International. I have kayaked around Iceland, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island and am the first woman in the United States to hold the coveted international British Canoe 5 Star Leadership award for kayaks. I moved to Orcas island in 1995 with my husband Leon Somme, and together we live with Francis and Fletcher my two favorite feline muses.
As a kid, I spent the majority of my time outside exploring and creating things. As a biologist, I learned how to observe the natural world and ask questions. As a designer, I learned about the foundations and principles of design and how to apply them. As a professional paddlesports coach and kayak expeditioner, I saw and experienced the world from sea level at the pace in which you walk.
Now, today, I finally have the time in my life to bring it all together in my studio as a full time artist here on Orcas Island, Washington!
I left more art for you to discover on her site as well, so check it out here. If you’d like an outing to see some in person, she is one of the artists whose work is on display at Orcas Island Artworks (Olga Artworks).
Keep it up, Shawna! I love your diversity, in art and life.
