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| Biography The portrait image of Peggy above was taken by Matt Dayka, it was taken at Peggy's "Curtain of Origami Whales" project. To see an enlargement of the image, please click on the portrait image above. Art has always been a part of life for me. My drawing abilities were called upon for illustration, even through my studies in biology. My focus of interest in biology was that of studying the behavior of wild animals in their natural habitats. I continue to carry this interest with my love of animals, and am often able to encounter and observe animals through my surfing experiences. I have been surfing for over 30 years, always holding it as a priceless and important activity for my health, and as a wonderful way to keep in touch with nature around the sea. I often see shore birds and sea birds and have close contact with seals and sea lions. I have swum with dolphins and seen whales passing near shore. These experiences, along with my love for travel, have made surfing a most rewarding part of my life. Inspired by the movie: "The Endless Summer", my travels have taken me to places in the world primarily in search of good surf in warm climates. I have been to Fiji, Mexico, South Africa, French Polynesia, Japan, and Tonga, and have made repeated visits to Australia, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Indonesia, and New Zealand. In the past 8 years, I have taken up rock climbing; and subsequently have climbed areas such as Joshua Tree and Yosemite National Parks, Idyllwild, Red Rocks (Nevada), and more recently through Arizona, southern Utah, and Squamish, British Columbia. My travels to these places has brought me to an even greater connection to and appreciation of even more environments. I consider this planet to be a gem with many amazing facets. While surfing and climbing is a great physical expression combined with visual and soulful experiences; art is a great visual and soulful expression combined with the physical experience of painting. Whether it be in my studio or outdoors in a natural setting. These two passions compliment each other, and my attention is shared between them to create a balance, like the natural subjects which inspire me. For over 20 years, I have dedicated most of my time as an activist in the effort to protect cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and to bring commercial whaling to a halt. I have worked as volunteer coordinator of “Children's Whale Art” activities for the Santa Barbara Whale Festival. In 2004, I initiated the “Origami Whale Project”, which has expanded to become the "Curtain of 25,000 Origami Whales" Project. For information on this project please refer to my website: www.peggy-oki.com/cu_origami.html ...Just in case you were wondering... Yes, I'm the Peggy Oki from the "Dogtown and Z-Boys" documentary, and the Zephyr Skateboard Team: www.z-boys.com Education & Background:  Associate in Arts Degree for Biology from Santa Monica City College. Associate in Arts Degree for Fine Art with Honors from Santa Barbara City College. Freshman studies at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), focused on Environmental Biology. Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the College of Creative Studies at UCSB (with senior year emphasis on Environmental Art). Additional studies: Commercial Rendering & Illustration, Advertising Design, Advanced Computer Graphics, Architectural Drafting, Interior Design Drafting, C.A.D.D. Work experience: freelance in illustration and graphic design; landscape & architectural presentation for over 15 years.Exhibitions / Collections: Over 50 group exhibitions. More than 20 one-woman exhibitions. Over 50 private and six commercial collections.Current Activities: Exhibit paintings regularly in Santa Barbara county. Free-lance in graphic design, illustration, and commissioned paintings. Art instructor at Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education. Art instructor for youth art programs through the Carpinteria Valley Arts Council. Sole proprietor of "Oki Designs" greeting cards. Coordinate children's art projects to raise awareness and protect whales and dolphins. Check out Peggy's Origami Whale Project here on COTW...
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