FEALTY
Inspired by the James R. Barker — my favorite of the Great Lakers. In this piece, I picture her doing what she was built to do: facing a Northeaster head-on, plowing through towering waves with quiet confidence and grit. These ships feel almost alive to me, carrying generations of stories across Superior’s unpredictable waters. And then there’s that horn — deep, familiar, unmistakable. A sound I could recognize anywhere.
I love that the title “Fealty” fits — it suggests loyalty, devotion, and an almost knight-like allegiance. It feels like both the ship’s loyalty to the lake and your own loyalty to these vessels.
 
On display at Lake Superior Magazine, Downtown Duluth
 
Acrylic, Varnish, Cradled Wood Panel
24" x 36"
Pick Up Only

by kBaumgarten Artist
2026