Captain’s Easel

Captain’s Easel I am a Captain and an artist. The sea is my home and my muse. I sail and create.

06/01/2026

This is Isaac Cathers — BC Coast Pilot, former BC Ferries Captain, and the mind behind Captain Random Fact.
Serious at sea... random online.
Proof you don’t have to fit into one box.

CoastPilot Consistency Inspiration
DocumentaryStyle

06/01/2026

This is Isaac Cathers — BC Coast Pilot, former ferry captain, and the mind behind Captain Random Fact.
Serious at sea... random online.
Proof you don't have to fit into one box.


05/28/2026

Most people know me as a captain, navigating the coastal waters of British Columbia.

But beyond the bridge, these same waters inspire another part of my journey.

This painting of Fisgard Lighthouse is a reflection of the places that have guided sailors for generations — transformed through watercolor and memory.

What I navigate by profession, I capture through art.

A captain shaped by the sea.
An artist inspired by it.

05/26/2026

From the wheelhouse to the canvas

The Queen of New Westminster, brought to life in watercolor.

Which vessel should I paint next?”

05/16/2026

I was interviewed live on CBC Radio One Victoria.

The conversation centered around my journey at sea, working as a Master with BC Ferries, and continuing to pursue watercolor and acrylic painting inspired by the maritime industry and the BC coast.

We spoke about life onboard ships, the inspiration behind my artwork, and how creativity can remain an important part of life alongside a demanding profession.

Thank you to Paul and Gregor Craigie for the thoughtful conversation and for continuing to highlight positive local stories and people from our coastal communities.

Full interview:
BC Ferries CBC/Radio-Canada

05/16/2026

I was interviewed live on CBC Radio One Victoria.

The conversation centered around my journey at sea, working as a Master with BC Ferries, and continuing to pursue watercolor and acrylic painting inspired by the maritime industry and the BC coast.

We spoke about life onboard ships, the inspiration behind my artwork, and how creativity can remain an important part of life alongside a demanding profession.

Thank you to Paul and Gregor Craigie for the thoughtful conversation and for continuing to highlight positive local stories and people from our coastal communities.

On The Island with Gregor Craigie: Ferry portraiture a passion for ferry captain

05/16/2026

I was interviewed live on CBC Radio One Victoria.

The conversation centered around my journey at sea, working as a Master with BC Ferries, and continuing to pursue watercolor and acrylic painting inspired by the maritime industry and the BC coast.

We spoke about life onboard ships, the inspiration behind my artwork, and how creativity can remain an important part of life alongside a demanding profession.

Thank you to Paul Malcolm and Gregor Craigie for the thoughtful conversation and for continuing to highlight positive local stories and people from our coastal communities.

Full interview: On The Island with Gregor Craigie: Ferry portraiture a passion for ferry captain https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-48-on-the-island/clip/16214998-ferry-portraiture-passion-ferry-captain


BC FerriesCBC/Radio-Canada

05/16/2026

The conversation centered around my journey at sea, working as a Master with BC Ferries, and continuing to pursue watercolor and acrylic painting inspired by the maritime industry and the BC coast.

We spoke about life onboard ships, the inspiration behind my artwork, and how creativity can remain an important part of life alongside a demanding profession.

Thank you to Paul Malcolm and Gregor Craigie for the thoughtful conversation and for continuing to highlight positive local stories and people from our coastal communities.

Full interview: On The Island with Gregor Craigie: Ferry portraiture a passion for ferry captain https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-48-on-the-island/clip/16214998-ferry-portraiture-passion-ferry-captain

BC Ferries CBC/Radio-Canada

05/16/2026

BC Ferries
The conversation centered around my journey at sea, working as a Master with BC Ferries, and continuing to pursue watercolor and acrylic painting inspired by the maritime industry and the BC coast.

We spoke about life onboard ships, the inspiration behind my artwork, and how creativity can remain an important part of life alongside a demanding profession.

Thank you to Paul Malcom and Gregor Craigie for the thoughtful conversation and for continuing to highlight positive local stories and people from our coastal communities.

Full interview: On The Island with Gregor Craigie: Ferry portraiture a passion for ferry captain https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-48-on-the-island/clip/16214998-ferry-portraiture-passion-ferry-captain

They make the impossible look easy every single day.⚓️I was so proud to gift this painting to Regional Terminal Manager ...
02/07/2026

They make the impossible look easy every single day.⚓️

I was so proud to gift this painting to Regional Terminal Manager Graeme Fipke and Terminal Managers Katherine Craik and Steven Curtis.
People often see the ferries coming and going, but they don’t always see the “behind the scenes” magic. These managers face incredible challenges every day, from navigating shifting schedules to making sure the crew and passengers are working together in harmony. They make the difficult look easy, and they do it with a level of care that makes every day on the water feel like a community event.

Graeme put it perfectly: “The true reward is working alongside dedicated terminal managers and frontline teams who show up every day for our customers and for one another.”

Thank you, Katherine, Steven, and Graeme, for your professionalism and the pride you bring to the terminal. It was a joy I was so proud to gift this painting and a joy to capture a piece of your world on canvas!

CommunityConnections WestCoastLivingto

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Nanaimo, BC

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