It was a few years ago now, when i decided to pack up a very large suitcase and go to the other side of the world by myself for the first time, without parents and with a friend a couple of days behind me. I travelled in the countryside of Costa Rica, not understanding a bit of Spanish.
Travelling had always been a big desire of mine, and after family friend had given me a pet turtle which later passed on, I knew i wanted more in life. I decided to travel to Costa Rica to embark on the journey of volunteer work. To be there for a species that is somewhat suffering due to the human impact on the world.
Volunteering with turtles was a magical experience, we would have two shifts of either 8pm until 12 am or 12 am until 4 am. The late nights and early mornings were quite difficult to get used to at first but after some time it was just normal.
On a single shift we would walk up and down the beach of Ostional until we found some turtle tracks, once found that we would then follow to search for a mystical animal in the darkness. After finding the turtles we would then proceed to let them dig their hole for the eggs or straight away start to measure the shell and flippers, along side this someone would be counting the eggs that had been hatched and measuring the length in the turtle egg hole.
I remember one day waking up for my 12 am shift and having the Arribada come into place. An Arribada is when hundred of turtles come to lay their eggs at the same time. This is something that happens every few months in Ostional. It was in this moment i knew i was witnessing something very special and something not a lot of people can say they have seen. It was my busiest shift working as there were so many more turtles to measure and tag!
Although my trip was a short one, my memories have lasted a long time and i will never forget the magical moment that i have experienced and the amazing people i experienced them with. This is the main inspiration for my turtle piece and to always remind myself that it was a beautiful time. I just hope others can see my artwork for the same reason.
This piece is 16×20 Inches and is selling for $80.
– L Forbz Art –
LForbzArt 