In the early 1970s, marine mammals - particularly whales and dolphin - suddenly attained public attention like no other group of wildlife in history. At the time a small cadre of artists, photographers, and film makers with a commitment to conservation and accuracy fostered the public’s understanding of these marvelous creatures. A leader in this group and the only one to successfully crossover between two-dimensional art, sculpture, photography, and film is Pieter Arend Folkens.

Folkens' uncommon ability to translate experience and knowledge into accurate depictions of exotic species has earned him world-wide respect and acceptance by the scientific community. His works have been published in twenty-seven countries and eighteen languages. He is the only living artist to have illustrated the type specimen of a new whale species for its scientific debut- which he has done twice. He designed the humpback whales in Star Trek IV, the killer whales in the Free Willy, and worked on sixteen other popular films and television projects. His most recent major publication is The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World. He recently completed a masterwork sculpture, Ingutuk - a life-sized bowhead whale for the Iñupiat Heritage Center, Barrow, Alaska. He was also featured in the National Geographic Channel series Critter Cam Chronicles regarding his work with humpback whales in Alaska. Current projects include three new books on a variety of subjects and sculptures for the Smithsonian/NSF-sponsored exhibit, Vicious Fishes of the Amazon.