Heather and Ruby
$495
Limited Edition Certification
Picture Dimension 19 ¾” x 27 ¼ ”
Picture with frame, Dimension 24″ x 36″ (Item is sold without a frame*)
Mixed Media – Hand-drawn images are converted into digital art.
(Only 5 exclusive signed copies are available)
*Contact me to learn affordable framing suggestions.
Description
This artwork celebrates the profound bond between a mother whale and her calf, a connection that forms the heart of their social and cultural lives. Inspired by the intricate relationships within whale communities, where matrilines are the foundation of their culture, the piece portrays the nurturing presence of the mother guiding her calf through the ocean’s expanse.
The flowing, hand-drawn patterns symbolize the rhythms of their shared journey, while the warm, vibrant hues reflect the love and continuity passed down through generations. “Heather and Ruby” is a tribute to the strength and wisdom of matrilineal bonds, capturing the essence of family and the cultural heritage that sustains these magnificent creatures in their underwater world.
At a glance
Size: Adults ~12–16 m (39–52 ft); 25–40+ metric tons.
Iconic look: Enormous pectoral fins ~1/3 of body length (up to ~5 m/16 ft), knobby tubercles on head and flippers, and a small dorsal fin on a long, humped back.
ID tip: The black-and-white pattern on the tail flukes is unique to each whale—like a fingerprint.
Where they live & migrate
Range: All oceans.
Lifestyle: Feed in cold, high-latitude waters (summer), migrate to warm, low-latitude breeding/calving grounds (winter).
Distance: Among the longest mammal migrations—often 5,000–8,000 km (3,000–5,000 mi) one way; records exceed that.
Sound & song
Song: Complex, evolving themes sung mainly by males on breeding grounds; individual songs run 5–30+ minutes and can repeat for hours.
Frequency: Roughly 20 Hz to ~5 kHz (low bass up through mid-treble).
Purpose (best evidence): Courtship/competition signaling; they also use other calls for social contact and coordination.
Feeding & behavior
Diet: Krill plus small schooling fish (e.g., herring, sand lance, anchovy).
Signature move: Bubble-net feeding—some whales spiral upward blowing bubbles to corral prey while others herd and then all lunge-feed together.
Surface displays: Breaches, tail-lobs, pectoral slaps—likely for communication, courtship, or parasite/energy shedding.
Dives: Typical 5–15 minutes; can exceed 30 minutes.
Speed: Usually 3–9 mph (5–15 km/h); faster in bursts.
Life cycle
Gestation: ~11–12 months.
Calf: ~4–5 m (13–16 ft) at birth; ~1–2 tons; nurses 6–10 months on rich milk.
Lifespan: Commonly 45–50+ years; some exceed 80.
Population & status
Numbers: Tens of thousands globally and many populations have rebounded since commercial whaling ended—but some regional groups remain endangered or depleted.
Main threats today: Entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, underwater noise (masking calls), and climate-driven prey shifts.
Watch responsibly (quick tips)
Keep safe distances (check local rules; often ≥100 yards/meters).
Slow to ≤10 knots near whales; avoid crossing their path.
If they approach you, idle in neutral and let them pass.