Some paintings feel like they arrive through you rather than from you. Stay Curious was one of those.
I’ve always loved octopuses, those elusive, shape-shifting geniuses of the sea. When snorkeling or diving, spotting one feels like finding a secret, they blend into their surroundings so well you almost can’t believe your eyes. I knew they were smart, but it wasn’t until I read Remarkably Bright Creatures and watched My Octopus Teacher that I truly understood just how extraordinary they are.
That sense of awe is what inspired this piece, a watercolor portrait of the Blue-Ringed Octopus, one of the smallest and most mesmerizing creatures in the ocean. In real life, they’re tiny, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet incredibly powerful. Don’t let their beauty fool you. The Blue-Ringed Octopus is also one of the most venomous animals in the sea… but only when truly provoked.
To me, that duality, beauty and danger, gentleness and strength, makes them a perfect symbol for life itself. Stay Curious is a reminder to approach the world with wonder, to keep exploring, and to recognize that your softness and strength can coexist in the most beautiful ways.
The original painting found its forever home before I could even list it online (💜 thank you, K&P!). But I’m so happy to share that eco-friendly, archival paper prints and canvases are now available- each made with the same care, intention, and love for our planet as the original.
Printed with vegan, non-toxic inks on FSC-certified and archival paper or canvas, every piece is crafted to last for generations. You can even choose gallery-quality framing made from sustainably sourced wood, ready to hang, right out of the box.
And yes, shipping on prints is always free, worldwide, and your art will arrive in plastic-free, sustainable packaging.
Bring the magic of the ocean into your home and let this tiny but mighty octopus remind you to stay curious, to create beauty in your life, and to let nature’s wonder mesmerize you every single day.