A Simple Life Series

Original Linoleum Block Prints 2002- Present

The Simple Life Series began in 2002 and is still emerging. I carve my images from linoleum blocks. Each image tells a story of discovery about the flora and fauna of Orcas Island this uniquely beautiful place where I live and work.

In the years: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 & 2008 I published a year calendar titled - A Simple Life. I sell these images as limited edition prints and greeting cards. I also created some unique images that were commissioned for the Orcas Historical Museum and various kayaking symposia to be used on T-shirts and marketing materials.

My images all reflect living a simple lifestyle and living close to nature on Orcas Island. I am an artist and a biologist. In 1995, I moved to Orcas Island, with my husband Leon and my cat Hatteras, together we built a simple 12’ x 12’ cabin and small vegetable garden, We lived a simple life for 11 years in this small cabin getting to know the island & the water via kayak that surrounded it.

In 2001 Leon and I created & operated Body Boat Blade International, which became a world renowned kayaking school and retail store until 2019. Everyday, we were on and in the water as professional educators and paddlers. We circumnavigated Iceland, Vancouver Island, and Haida Gwaii. We taught thousands of paddlers and helped them to not only learn about paddling but also learn about themselves and the natural world. We wanted people to love nature as much as we did.

Today, I still live a simple life on Orcas with Leon and our present feline companions, Fletcher & Francis. The only difference is that now I am a full time artist. In 2019, I enrolled in the UK Society of Botanical Art Distance Learning Diploma Course, a multi-year course studying botanical illustration. I find myself once again living a simple life and looking at the world through the lens of a biologist and as an artist. I still kayak on the sea, bike and walk most days to find my inspiration from this amazing wild place that I live.

My images are carved abd printed by my hand using oil based Charbonnel and Gamblin Etching Inks, and Lightfast Speedball® Water-Soluble Block Printing Inks. The papers I presently prefer are: Fabriano Rosaspina Paper - 60% cotton fiber, acid-free, 285 gsm / Legion Stonehenge Paper - 100% cotton fiber, acid-free, 90 lb (250 gsm) and 120 lb (320 gsm) weight / Magnani Pescia Paper, 100% cotton fibers, Acid-Free, 300 gsm.

Most of my Simple Life Series are available as hand pulled limited edition signed prints framed or unframed. I also offer most images reproduced as greeting cards. Please inquire about availability.

All images and content are subject to Copyright by Fat Hat Art Company & by the artist

Shawna Marie Franklin