Spring 2024

Lanting and Eckstrom’s book, “Bay of Life,” connects land and sea and people with nature to present a unified view of the Monterey Bay. “Bay of Life” is available in a standard size and an oversized collector’s edition. their intention is before they become aggressive. Usually when that hap- pens, it’s when we’re not paying close enough attention to their moods. It’s the smaller animals that are more problematic, the insects or other things that can transmit diseases. We’ve had malaria a number of times,” Lanting says. “How about 50 leeches or 100 ticks on your body?” Eckstrom adds with a chuckle, explaining she once picked 120 of the sticky pests from her husband’s back. If danger and discomfort have come with the territory, so have awe and over- whelming pride. Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom are fully embracing their newest baby, planning future exhibits and in-person talks about “Bay of Life,” and knowing they’ve done something special for those who visit or call this magical region home. "It’s educational, it’s activist in nature. It’s designed to inspire engage- ment. We conceived of this to connect with people within the region. An important part of that is all the visitors who come to the Monterey Bay,” Lanting says, noting that the goal is to elevate the area for those who love it most. So whether it's a shot of a rainbow-laden salmon in a local river that resonates with you, or a tiny-looking surfer braving towering waves, there will be something in “Bay of Life” that will touch you. “We like to tell sto- ries, and by doing that we hope that we can add our voices to the other voices that come from scientists, that come from con- servationists, that come from politicians,” Lanting says. “People respond to stories better than they do to facts and figures because we are bombarded by informa- tion. Stories are what we remember.” “Bay of Life” events are coming to the Monterey Peninsula this year. The Monterey Museum of Art will open a “Bay of Life” exhibit in early May, as will CSUMB. Lanting and Eckstrom will present a show about “Bay of Life” on May 7 at Carmel’s Sunset Center, introduced by former Congressman Sam Farr. A charitable Bay of Life Fund, set up by Lanting and Eckstrom at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, is providing grants and support to local environmental nonprofits throughout the Monterey Bay region. It’s truly an inclusive undertaking, and a gift to all of us who live in and visit this unique place. Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom have long wanted to pay tribute to this extraordinary place. 132 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4