Peggy is an adventurer with interest and activities, which include: surfing, rock climbing, skateboarding, art, teaching, activism, and public speaking. She was the only female member of the Zephyr skateboard team featured in Dogtown & Z-Boys. In 2012 Peggy was inducted into the Skateboard Hall of Fame.
Peggy spends many late nights working hard on her drawings as a sole proprietor of “Oki Designs” greeting cards. She is also the founder and director of the Origami Whales Project to raise awareness and protect whales and dolphins.
(Excerpts from Peggy Oki Artists)
“Art and a love of animals have always been part of Peggy Oki’s life. As an Environmental Biology student, Oki studied wild animals in their natural habitat. A surfer for over 35 years, she has a deep connection with coastal and marine wildlife, and has enjoyed numerous encounters with dolphins and whales. While surfing is a great physical expression that combines visual and soulful experiences, Peggy sees art as a visual and soulful expression through the physical experience of painting. Whether in her studio or outdoors in a natural setting, these passions compliment each other. Attention is shared between them to create a balance that she likens to the natural subjects to inspire her.”
“A compelling part of Oki’s life is her work for the conservation of marine life that inspires her paintings. Working for over 25 years for the protection of cetaceans (dolphin and whales)—most recently as Founder and Director of the Origami Whale Project, and through her “Whales & Dolphins Ambassador Program” workshops—Peggy Oki continues to empower children of all ages while raising awareness of human impacts on cetaceans and their aquatic habitats.”
Results
1975- 1st Place Women’s Freestyle (Del Mar Nationals) Zephyr Skate Board Team
Publications and Film
2010 Honored as Local Hero, Santa Barbara Independent
2007 June/July, Santa Barbara People, Santa Barbra Magazine
2001 Film Documentary “Dogtown and Z-boys”
For More on the Origami Whales Project,
Please Visit: www.origamiwhalesproject.org
and our Newf Surfboard Net Sponsorship page.
