The Blue Whole Gallery is proud to recognize Francie McGarvie Baker as our August Student of the Month, honoring her talent and commitment to the arts.
Working in clay, Francie designs functional ceramic fountains that bring movement, sound, and a sense of whimsy into everyday life. ” Water introduces an interactive, living element to clay, and I style my pieces with a lighthearted, sometimes cartoonish aesthetic to ensure that the joy I feel while building them transfers directly to the viewer,” explains Francie.
Her current work is deeply inspired by my lifelong connection to Western Washington. Living in Port Angeles, she has always been captivated by the local marine life, particularly the orcas of J-pod that visit the Puget Sound.
In her latest series, she features these beautiful creatures emerging from hand sculpted bowls inspired by the colors and textures of the Salish Sea. Whether crafting a fish-head bubbler for an indoor cat’s water dish, or a lake monster for a pond outdoors, Francie’s goal is to evoke a smile and invite people to pause, listen, and connect with the playful side of nature.
We invite you to stop by the gallery in August and experience her imaginative ceramic creations in person.