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Nanoose Bay artist shares healing gifts with an ocean theme

Sea Things Through My Eyes creations emerge from personal therapy
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Wendy Tague, Nanoose-based business owner and creative mind behind ‘Sea Things Through My Eyes,’ shares the candid story of her healing process and how helping others through ocean-based creations is what she is meant to do. — Amber-Lea Marie photo

Wendy Tague, local artist, creator and owner of Sea Things Through My Eyes, wants to lift up and inspire the community through beach-themed creations, while raising brain trauma awareness through her ultimate oceanic therapy.

After being diagnosed in September of 2014 with torticollis, (a painful condition exhibiting flexion, extension and twisting of muscles in the neck beyond their normal position), Tague explains, her short-term memory diminished for several months, her speech began to stutter and symptoms worsened.

“I was not aware that as my brain was compromised, my spirit too was crumbling,” said Tague. “Although my family never said the words, I knew that they were incredibly worried and thought the worst. My physical body was failing me but my brain was still working. I was frustrated, embarrassed and, above all else, my confidence had left me.”

After being referred to a neurologist and psychologist, Tague began to dig deep.

“Once all of their testing was complete, it was collectively determined that I needed to relax and do something that made me feel good. So, I went to the beach,” Tague said.

The beach became Tague’s therapeutic place of comfort and peace and her soul began to recharge, she said, as she regained inspiration while getting grounded.

“After picking up some shells and a few pieces of driftwood, my new life began. I started to create artwork that made me feel good, and now I make gifts for purchase so that people can ‘Sea Things Through My Eyes,’” said Tague.

“The neurologist phoned me this past week and said, ‘I would like for you to continue with Sea Things Through My Eyes, because that is your medicine,’” Tague said. “That was very cool to hear.”

Lexi Jenn, otherwise known as Tague’s floating office and the boat she shares with husband Kelly Tague, is the navigator on Tague’s peaceful journey.

“A lot of the treasures that I make, I find from various islands. You need a boat to be able to get to them. I find various rocks and gravels, shells and driftwood, though I never take anything that is alive,” said Tague.

While on a recent float to a local island, Tague found a handmade boat made of driftwood that had washed up ashore.

“I never know what I am going to find. I just treasure everything,” said Tague.

“If I see that someone is having struggles, I like to lift them up and give them one of my pieces, because we all need a boost sometimes,” said Tague. “A lot of people give up, and I just want to remind them to keep going.”

In keeping with uplifting those around us, Tague is passionate about working with various charities and supports the belief in giving back. “I would really like to help out with fundraising for The Children’s Hospital,” she said. I can definitely help with giving.”

Dependent upon the weather, Sea Things Through My Eyes will be set up on Fridays throughout the spring and summer months at the Seaside Market, located at Oceanside Village Resort.

Local artist Kent Leo, owner of Westcoastkitsch, will be joining Tague at the market, she said.

For updates and to make appointments to view pieces, please visit facebook.com/seathingsthroughmyeyes.