Guardian of The Marine Forest. 40x28cm. Gouache and gold acrylic paint. Part of ‘We Are Part of Nature – series 2’ exhibition October 2024.

Sea Otters protect the kelp forests by eating a healthy load of sea urchins and abalones. They keep their favourite rock in the loose skin pouches under their armpits (like a pocket) and use the rock to break open clams and mussels.