Otter statue to be unveiled April 17

By Mark C. Anderson

Close your eyes and picture a sea otter in the wild. Likely, you’re seeing a frolicking or shell-cracking or deep-diving or pup-cleaning or otherwise super-active otter.

After all, Pacific sea otters are so active that they burn 7,500 calories daily, which demands they eat 25% of their body weight to keep up. 

These are not marine mammals that sit still for long.

Therein lay the challenge for sculptor Edward Eyth, who was commissioned to create a striking new statue to be placed near the entrance of the Otter Student Union. The statue, which will serve as a focus of campus pride, will be unveiled at noon on April 17. 

How does one make a moving statue—in both senses of the word—that is completely unmoving?

Eyth’s short answer: “A substantial amount of research.”

“As a figurative artist I’m fascinated by the human form, especially beauty and rhythms of the body in motion,” he said. “I find the same fascination with animals—the way sea otters propel themselves through the water is mesmerizing to watch.”

He goes on to riff on their evolutionary journey from land to sea some 5 million years ago. 

“Even though otters are mammals and need air to breathe, the fluid, dynamic movement they display underwater is more fish-like,” he said. “Capturing their fast, forceful, dynamic movement in the static form of a bronze sculpture presented a challenge, but I felt it was important to infuse the piece with a sense of playful animation and the expressive energy they exude.” 

That was aided by hours spent watching them and other creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Eyth, who lives in Savannah, Georgia, where he is a professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, spent 15 years in Pacific Grove and often took his sons to the aquarium. He also referenced a lot of otter photography and independent research, including long video study sessions.

The result accomplishes an eye-catching paradox. 

“While the sculpted otters are static, their poses capture a fleeting instant of spirited, dynamic movement,” he said. “My intention was to create a timeless tribute to the university's beloved mascot, embodying the vibrant spirit and dynamic energy that define CSUMB.”

There were other challenges as well, such as anatomic accuracy.

That’s where Professor Trish Sevene, chair of CSUMB’s Department of Kinesiology, came in. Sevene’s PhD is in biology and she consulted with Eyth, on everything from limb proportions to the finishing patina, to maximize authenticity. 

In the process, she had a chance to reflect on the parallels between otters and the university. 

“In our region, otters are ecologically vital to the health of kelp forests, which are vital to a thriving ocean, [and] conversely, kelp forests are vital to the health of the sea otter species,” she said. “The two are inextricably connected. I see the same with CSUMB. The university is important to our students' ability to thrive and our students are vital to the community at large. As with the otters and the kelp, we are inextricably connected.”

Eyth said the otter statue will have similar relevance, “capturing the energy and boundless potential of CSUMB students.”

“My hope is that the sculpture serves as a lively connection between viewers and the university, quietly conveying a sense of youthful joy and enthusiasm,” he said. “Ultimately, I hope the otters’ charm and playful presence invite people to engage with the piece—to take selfies, smile, or simply feel a connection to the unique beauty and spirit of Monterey Bay.”