Shawn Heinrichs. Mother's Love 2. Limited Edition.

OCEANS COLLECTION - EDITIONS OF 25

Print - 20 x 30 inches
Print - 24 x 36 inches

About the Work

Gazing down into the deep blue abyss, all of my attention is focused on the mother and calf humpback whale hovering just beneath me. Motionless, yet radiating such powerful life-force energy, these magnificent beings have such a presence as to transcended any level of existence or consciousness that I could possibly comprehend. And I, an insignificant observer, allowed into their sacred presence, to watch in wonder and possibly, just possibly, derive a small fraction of the immense wisdom that these ancient wanderers carry.

And in that moment of complete silence, my heart wide open and my mind at rest, I suddenly feel it, a subtle but powerful and undeniable soul connection - an instantaneous transfer of what can best be described as a dense package of holographic information, condensed over the eons but prepared specifically just for me - a connection so profound, so moving, that my body shakes and I am brought to tears - that our true power is found in our ability to be completely vulnerable - to surrender our fears, quiet our minds, put aside our egos, open our hearts, and let others truly see the radiant spirit that shines within all of us.

And then, as if fully attuned to the understanding that their work with me is complete, the mother and calf slowly rise to the surface, her massive fluke brushing with in inches as my face, and then with a powerful pump they propel themselves forward and disappear into the blue. 

About the Photographer

Only One Founder Shawn Heinrichs is an artist and Emmy-award winning cinematographer, photographer and marine conservationist. His stunning and often stark artwork is fueled by his passion to protect the oceans, and the profound recognition that people only protect what they love.

Learn more about Shawn Heinrichs.