Beating the Odds: Finally Revealing Why I Paint Turtles

I’m putting the final touches on my fifth turtle painting in the last few months. I’m working hard to finish it in time for the grand opening of our new, larger corner gallery. I’m so grateful that every turtle painting so far has sold—and confident this one will find its home quickly too. I’m deeply moved by how many people are touched by these paintings. Every message, every tearful story comes flooding back, reminding me why I became an artist in the first place.

My “why” began with the first painting I ever made—the one that made my macho Greek dad cry. That moment changed me forever. I knew I wanted to be part of this mysterious intersection of art, emotion, and spirit for the rest of my life. Back then, I only hoped my art would continue to touch people deeply. I never imagined I’d not only get to create art that moves others but also teach other artists how to do the same.

As I painted the highlights of the glistening water, I was reminded of my near-death experience and how it connected to my love for painting light and clear water. I remembered plunging into those luminous aqua-blue waters, the kind I’d seen many times in Greece, and feeling completely surrounded by a living, breathing love. I knew that love came from God. It was the first time I had ever felt anything so pure and consuming. That experience gave my life meaning and purpose, and I haven’t been the same since.

Searching for Meaning

Only recently did I realize that painting light is my way of revisiting that divine love I once encountered. But as I worked on this new turtle painting, I began to wonder, “Why turtles?”

There must be a reason. I can look at the symbolism of a protective shell, longevity of life, and maybe migration patterns and glean some kind of meaning from that. Whenever someone has asked me what the turtles mean to me, I have sort of stumbled around and with little conviction said something, like, “It symbolizes someone who is destined for longevity and legacy, following patterns of the ones who have gone before them…”

I mean, it sounds reasonable and makes sense, but I still didn't feel satisfied that this was the true reason I was painting them.

While I was painting, Jock, our gallery director, messaged me that he was dropping off the last sold turtle painting for me to dedicate it and write a message on the back of the painting to the collector. I felt determined to understand why I was painting the turtles before I would do that. I messaged Jock: “I've really got to figure out why I am painting these turtles.”

Purpose in the Paintings

Later that day, during a meeting with Taylor and Marissa to plan our print launch, the conversation unexpectedly turned toward the answer. I mentioned I had video footage from a trip to Mexico years ago when we released baby sea turtles into the ocean at sunset.

Taylor asked, “How did you get to do that?”

I explained, “There was a conservation group in Mexico working to get the sea turtle numbers up, so they let tourists release the turtles into the ocean. Only 1 in 1000 hatchlings actually make it to adulthood. Most of them never make it to the water. Sometimes if they hatch after the sun is up, the entire nest is completely wiped out and eaten by birds. We had to wait until the sun was setting and all the birds were gone before we released them. Because 100% of the turtles made it to the water, they increase their chances of survival into adulthood.”

Taylor’s eyes lit up. “Elli,” she said, “maybe that’s why you’re painting turtles.”

I laughed. “What do you mean? Tell me!”

She leaned forward. “Your near-death experience was all about beating the odds. You weren’t supposed to make it, but you did. Michelle’s story is about surviving cancer against all odds. Stephanie’s, too—she’s cheated death multiple times. It’s just like those turtles. They’re the one in a thousand who make it.”

Overcoming and Legacy

Of course. It actually is so obvious, but I couldn’t see it until this moment. As I continued to ponder this notion of every adult turtle being a living testimony to a miraculous existence, a true overcomer who defied the odds and every circumstance designed to take out its life, I felt the pieces of this puzzle come together.

It’s a story of the persistence of life. We too have enemies and predators that aim to steal our destiny, kill our dreams, and destroy every attempt we make to succeed. Maybe some of us have actually and literally cheated death and are living examples of a miracle. Some of us have persevered in our dreams, fought against all odds, and are still moving forward today despite many discouragements.

We have built our hard shells over time while our belly, the core of our being, is still vulnerable and open. We navigate the tumultuous waters, ride the currents when we can, follow the path of others before us, and explore new waters while others follow us.

Our lives are not accidents. Each of us is a living testimony that survival itself is sacred. We are here because a greater Artist designed us to be.

And perhaps that’s the real message behind every turtle I paint: that life—your life, my life—is a miracle of endurance, grace, and divine intention.

We are the ones who made it to the water.

What do these turtle paintings say to you?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!