Dancing with Porpoises – Stephen Paré’s Story of Wonder on the Open Sea

What happens when you find yourself on a boat in the middle of the foggy Pacific, searching for birds—but instead, you become the audience to an astonishing dance of nature?

In this episode of Stories from Under the Piano, multidisciplinary artist Stephen Paré shares a breathtaking memory from his university days. As he sailed through Monterey Bay on an ornithology field trip, he expected to see rare birds. Instead, he witnessed something extraordinary—two Dall’s porpoises playfully racing alongside the boat, performing a synchronized, awe-inspiring maneuver that left the entire crew speechless.

We explore the emotional arc of Stephen’s experience—starting with exhaustion and disinterest, moving into a moment of pure connection with nature, and ending in a collective sense of wonder. After the story, I transform it into an improvised piano composition, capturing the fog, the sun breaking through, and the joy of the porpoises' dance.

Stephen also shares insights into his creative world, from his digital paintings to his upcoming VR and in-person art exhibitions. He discusses his passion for Venice, his work on a new book, and even his inspiring decision to apply for graduate school in music at age 70!

Join us for a conversation filled with beauty, reflection, and artistic inspiration—and of course, a one-of-a-kind piano piece composed in the moment.

Learn more about Stephen Paré

Website: http://www.stephenpare.art
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verbonnet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.pare.9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-paré-a305131b/

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