"I was expecting Orcas Island to serve as a redemptive and refreshing break from 'the grid'. As a kid I used to be in nature a lot more. Now, as an adult, cities and urban environments are of great fascination to me. I wanted to indulge in a peaceful and natural environment again, and briefly go back to those feelings from my childhood. I've seen more shades of green than I've ever seen. Moss. Trees. The emerald water. And the emptiness. It felt like I had the island all to myself. As an avid lover of birds, seeing bald eagles fly around the island was definitely a highlight as well. That bird is just so majestic.  

The island has been colonized by a group of artists seeking serenity and refuge from the mainland grind. I found many little galleries and workshops around the island and the art was such an amazing reflection of the peaceful mindset on the island. It is the kind of stuff I would normally cynically dismiss as kitschy. But here it made sense and I found myself appreciating the pottery and watercolours that the local artisans were making here. There was a calm beauty to it.  
I did, not surprisingly, let my eyes be led by existing fascinations and aesthetic pre sets. I took photos of rusty cars by the side of the road. Decaying farmhouses. Hints of urban decay mapped around the island. These I used as references for a set of pen and ink drawings that I assembled as a collage for the print. Together with references to the Island and my personal input, all of it resulted in a red and blue collage, celebrating my days at Orcas Island."

Travel diary

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Hello All! It’s Joram Roukes about to get ready for my Jaunt. I will be keeping you up to speed on our roadside diner and junkfood adventures, rural redemption and all things inspirational along the way. Right now: Up early in San Francisco to get ready to hit the road for our Jaunt to Orcas Island. First stop will be Portland, OR.

Getting my tools ready and packed for some drawing. Keeping it very basic.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

After a little holdup yesterday we picked up the car to head to Portland. On our Uber ride to the car rental we were stopped by about 400 tiny protestors. California does not like Trump, but this protest was a message against hate and for love across the board. One of the kids drew a sign that read: ‘Dont deport my friends’. Heartbreaking.

Some of these views on the road are magical.

Waiting for the ferry to Orcas Island!

Friday, November 18, 2016

The ferry ride was stunning

We made it to the island. Toured around and explored a bit. Loving this place so far.

The shoreline by our cabin.

Post breakfast drawing session

Saturday, November 20, 2016

Its our second last day on the island. We started our journey on the 16th, driving to Portland for a nights stay and then on to Anacortes, Washington where the ferry departs to the San Juan islands. The ferry ride took about an hour with one stop on Shaw island. It was approaching dusk by the time we got to the ferry landing where there was not much more to see than two small coffee places and a post office. We drove in dim evening light through forrests, meadows and heavily weathered old farm houses until we made a stop for some food in East Sound. The only actual village on the island.

We arrived at the resort after another 20 minute drive to dark forrest. Deer were looking into our headlights as we drove the windy roads to Doe Bay Resort and retreat. A small resort with quaint cabins and small bungalows right by a cliffy shore. After a good night sleep we drove back to the small town for some errands and we got a better view of the beautiful island. There are more shades of green here than Ive ever seen. Moss. Trees. The emerald water. And its empty. It felt like we had the island to ourselves.

I went on a hike to the waterfalls. A two hour steep trail to the mountain lake through dense forrest. The nature here feels European. But its more rugged. It was spectacular and refreshing. Later that day we drove up to Constitution Mountain where we enjoyed some of the most spectacular views. From our viewpoint, standing just feet away from grazing deer, we looked out over all of the Salish sea. Many small islands and the snowy summits of what I believe were the Vancouver Island mountains.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Thanks to The Jaunt for sending me to this place. Orcas Island was something else.

One of my favorite finds on Orcas Island, however cliche that might seem, was this hauntingly beautiful collapsed house. Prints will be done soon!