Dead Calm
Stevie Shao
Regular Edition
18 x 24 Inches
Fine-art Giclée print on Canson Aquarelle 310gsm museum-grade archival paper
Limited Edition of 30
Signed + Numbered
Printed with ♥ by Static Medium
Variant Edition
18 x 24 inches
Fine-art Giclée print on Canson Aquarelle 310gsm museum-grade archival paper
Limited Edition of 15
Signed + Numbered
Printed with ♥ by Static Medium
Artist Statement
"Dead Calm" is an original illustration depicting an iconic layout of ocean life affected by warming seas and acidification. Salmon, culturally revered in the Pacific Northwest where Shao is from, swim alongside a large squid, urchins, glowing stars, salmon roe, and arms of coral. Shao uses repeating patterns and symbols in her work that often double in meaning – a star or a comet doubles as a sea urchin or starfish, and a drop of ink transforms into a spray of seawater. A chain running along the top and bottom hints at a human element - fishing, industry, and living along breathtaking coastal landscapes that people have depended on for generations. ‘Dead Calm’ provokes contemplation on the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the delicate harmony between the health of the oceans and the vitality of nature everywhere. There is an urgent need for preservation and restoration to maintain the biodiversity in the environment – to support the ‘flow’ of our Blue Planet.
- Stevie Shao
Artist Bio
Stevie Shao is a Seattle-born-and-raised illustrator and muralist whose work features bold colors, folk art-inspired imagery, and a love for the plant and animal life of the region. She is passionate about local causes related to environmental stewardship, racial justice, and preserving historic community roots.
