Join the American Cetacean Society and artist Firuze Gokce for a special Silent Auction dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, and marine ecosystems. This event will raise crucial funds for ACS Research Grant Programs, supporting groundbreaking cetacean conservation and marine science studies.
Firuze Gokce’s ocean-inspired artwork reflects the rhythms and sounds of whales, translating their spectrograms into visual expressions. Your participation supports marine conservation and education efforts that help protect whales and their habitats for future generations.
Each item up for bid has been generously donated by one of our board members, Firuze Gokce. All proceeds benefit our cause. By participating in our auction, you'll not only acquire remarkable items but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
You will hear live updates about the silent auction and the stories behind her artworks by Firuze Gokce during our March Speaker Event with Marc Webber on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 pm. Please don’t forget to register for the March Speaker Event
FEATURED AUCTION PIECES
Orca Playing in the Kelp Forest
This artwork beautifully portrays the playful elegance of an orca weaving through the vibrant kelp forest, a dynamic interaction that highlights their intelligence and connection to these underwater ecosystems. Orcas are known to interact with kelp in unique ways, from using it for playful behavior to navigating their aquatic habitat. The kelp forest, with its swaying fronds, serves as both a playground and a vital part of the marine ecosystem, offering shelter and resources to countless species.
The hand-drawn patterns on the orca reflect the fluidity of the ocean, while the warm, earthy tones of the kelp contrast beautifully with the tranquil blues of the water. “Orca Playing in the Kelp Forest” is a celebration of the harmony between marine life and its environment, reminding us of the delicate balance that sustains these majestic creatures and their underwater world.
Orca Playing in the Kelp Forest
Serenity Below – Watching a Humpback Called “Fran”
This piece is a heartfelt tribute to Fran, the iconic humpback whale tragically lost to a ship strike in 2022. Born in 2005, Fran was celebrated as California’s most recognized humpback whale, with 277 sightings documented in the Happywhale database. She was a frequent visitor to the Monterey Bay Area, captivating all who encountered her with her majestic presence and serving as a symbol of marine beauty and resilience.
The artwork is created using my unique style, which begins with intricate hand-drawn patterns that capture the fluidity and organic forms of nature. These lines are inspired by the movement and rhythm of the ocean, often evoking the undulating patterns of whale sound spectrograms. Once the drawing is complete, I digitally enhance it with vibrant, harmonious colors to bring depth and emotion to the piece. This fusion of traditional and digital techniques allows me to convey the dynamic energy of the ocean and the life it holds.
In this tribute to Fran, the bold, flowing shapes mirror the grace of her movements through the water, while the vivid colors celebrate her life and the awe she inspired. At the same time, the artwork serves as a reminder of the pressing need to protect marine life and raise awareness about the impacts of human activity on these incredible creatures. Through art, we can honor Fran’s legacy and ignite conversations about the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Serenity Below – Watching a Humpback Called “Fran”
About Firuze Gokce
Firuze Gokce is a passionate advocate for marine conservation and an artist dedicated to translating the sounds of the ocean into visual experiences. She recently reached a significant milestone with the debut of her first solo art exhibition on May 23rd, showcasing her "Whale Sounds on a Canvas" collection. This exhibition featured her prints and immersive videos that blend visual art with the auditory experience of whale songs, offering a multi-sensory exploration of marine life.
Firuze’s innovative approach, incorporating actual whale sound recordings into her artwork, has gained recognition for its unique storytelling. Additionally, her piece "Brave Little Hunter" was requested by Bay Cetology in Vancouver Island, highlighting her ability to convey the emotional depth of the natural world. She is also one of the selected artists in the Sebastopol Art Center Art Trails Program (October 2024), further solidifying her place in the art community.
Her upcoming exhibitions include a showcase at Usher Gallery in Petaluma in October 2024 and an exhibition at the Laguna Foundation in Santa Rosa in January 2025, where she will continue to explore the intersection of art, sound, and marine conservation.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Firuze is deeply engaged in marine conservation and research. She serves on the Board of the American Cetacean Society, contributing to advocacy and education efforts for whale and dolphin conservation. She also actively supports initiatives like Orcasound, Bayquest, and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, working on projects that enhance public engagement with ocean conservation through science, technology, and community-driven solutions.