Balboa turtle

Design Story

Vanessa requested this turtle (family, navigator) with the name of her family, Balboa, which we placed into the shell as a maorigram encircling a frangipani flower, symbolizing joy, family and shelter.

The front flippers are two tikis, guarding the family from every side, ending with two fish hooks that are symbols of prosperity and status.

The back flippers are shells (love, safe shelter) and waves (change and fertility).

In the upper part of the shell we placed the bolt symbol of the San Diego Chargers, whom Vanessa is a fan of.

The head includes the hammerhead shark and shark teeth motifs to symbolize adaptability, determination and strength.