Janavi Kramer is an internationally-selling Ocean Artist and Scientific Illustrator based in Hertfordshire with a lifelong fascination with the Ocean. Using vibrant and visceral colours, her work emulates a unique quality that showcases the wonders of the Ocean. Her work opens up a window into the world below to inspire connection and empathy for those who look through it. Janavi’s mission is not only to evoke passion in others but to also highlight the threats impacting the marine environment and the species within it.
How did you become interested in both art and scientific illustration, and what inspired you to combine these two fields in your work?
Art and the Ocean have always been elements present in my life. These separate worlds each played a significant role in forming my path, but a few years ago there was a pivotal moment where the two collided.
After my first Ocean dive in 2014, in a matter of moments, the experience turned my world upside down. I was in complete awe of the beauty surrounding me, enveloped in this new alien environment. It was almost like a sensory overload – and from then on I was hooked.
However, even early on in my diving experience, I started to notice a lot of things that I found alarming. Sadly on many occasions, I saw firsthand the impact we humans are having on the Ocean. These moments that began to stack up were a bit of a slow burner. I took time to process it and figure out how and what I could do about it. Looking back now, these experiences, though heart-wrenching, were my catalyst for change. The more I saw, the more I felt something shift inside me and I knew I had to find a way to help protect it. I began a transition into discovering how to use my skills as an Artist to contribute towards the world of conservation. Over the years my work has been fluid and it took a while for me to find my style. Now my work takes form as vibrant and eye-catching species depictions, illustrations or graphics to support science communications and even thought-provoking pieces that spread awareness about the continual destruction of the Ocean and the creatures within it.
Can you describe your creative process when working on a new piece?
For me, every piece is different. But the beginning of every piece always starts with finding connection. Connecting to my work is such a crucial element because I believe that is the only way that the people who see my work will also feel emotionally engaged. Because the work I create can vary greatly depending on the project, this can mean creating life-like qualities to bring a species to life off the page or incorporating thought provoking illustrations that give the viewer an opportunity to stop and think.
The mission behind my work is to showcase the weird and wonderful creatures that exist in our Oceans, to not only educate and encourage others to care for them but to inspire change and action.
What role do you believe art plays in supporting ocean conservation?
For hundreds of years art and science have worked harmoniously alongside one another in a partnership that has given us a greater understanding of the natural world, making knowledge accessible to all. Art is a universal language. It breaks down the barriers of conventional language, education – and even opportunity.
In this modern day, surrounded by rapidly evolving technology, ever-growing cities and booming populations, it’s easy to forget that we are a part of nature. As a species we have come so far with our advancements that this simple fact has been lost somewhere along the way. And as a result, a huge amount of the world’s population is disconnected from nature and the impact we are having on it. Everything on this planet exists almost in a giant symbiosis and every action can send ripples throughout the environment.
With art I hope to help reconnect people back to nature and inspire change and the desire to protect our oceans. By spreading awareness and making science accessible in this way, we can replant the seed of understanding that we are all part of this ecosystem and the destruction of the Ocean is not only an unimaginable tragedy but also has a huge impact on our existence. Part of the responsibility we hold as individuals in the conservation community is to ensure that the educational information, resources and knowledge is accessible to anyone and everyone. If you give people the power of knowledge then we can create change, anything from consumption behaviours, reducing plastic use or even becoming an ocean advocate. At the very least, I hope the work I create can start a conversation and encourage people to engage in the one thing we can’t live without – the Ocean.
Can you discuss a particular project or piece that you found particularly challenging or rewarding, and what you learned from the experience?
A recent project that I found very rewarding was in collaboration with The Shark Trust. I was approached to be a part of Oceanic 31 which brings together wildlife artists from across the world who are passionate about conservation and using art as a tool for positive change to highlight the importance of shark conservation.
This particular piece was very special as the opportunity came just after I had my first experience encountering Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, a critically endangered species, in the Red Sea. As the stars aligned, it meant that I was able to paint from my own experiences so it will always hold a special place in my heart!
The final result was ‘Deep Connection’, a watercolour painting that illustrates a shiver of Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks swimming overhead. It embodies the sense of connection and understanding your experience when in the presence of these majestic creatures. As apex predators, sharks play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium in the marine ecosystem. Yet this iconic species, and many other shark species, are disappearing from our Oceans at an alarming rate as a result of human interference. My hope is that my work offers an alternative perspective in which we are able to witness their power and beauty and be inspired to make a positive change and protect this critically endangered species.
What has influenced your work and played a role in shaping it?
For me, there is no better place than to be in the water; so it goes without saying that the Ocean itself is my biggest inspiration! Whether I am above or below it, it fills me with awe and curiosity. I would say diving in particular opened my eyes to the wonders of the Ocean. It is such a unique privilege and experience that it has always given me this feeling that I wanted to share it with others. It is almost like a gateway into this world full of a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, textures and patterns, and I think the excitement and inspiration I feel underwater is evident in my work.
I am also greatly inspired by the work of marine charities and organisations that are fighting tirelessly and against the odds to protect our Ocean. Part of my mission is to support their invaluable work through donations, collaborations and spreading awareness of their work. I am incredibly proud to have previously worked with the likes of Natural England, The Shark Trust, the Manta Trust and many more and hope to expand this list in the near future!
What advice would you give to aspiring scientific illustrators or artists interested in incorporating science into their work?
I would strongly urge anyone with that passion to push towards it. It’s not always an easy journey but there are many like-minded people within this community that will either support you or join forces with you. On my journey, something that I have learnt is that if you are truly passionate about something, it becomes almost infectious to others around you! We are in a time where the power of storytelling has never been more crucial. By helping to give a voice to the ocean, through art, science or advocacy, we can make a difference and perhaps one day your journey to save the ocean will be a story that will inspire others to try!
What do you hope viewers take away from your art, and what impact do you hope to have on the broader field of science communication?
What I don’t want is for my art, years long after I’m gone, to be considered as a documentation of the magical and mythical creatures that once lived amongst our oceans. I truly believe there is still the opportunity to make a change and even recover some of what has been lost.
Unfortunately there are now countless threats impacting our Oceans; almost all of which stem from human interference such as habitat degradation, plastic and noise pollution. We are living at a pivotal moment in history where if we do not act now we will witness not only the extinction of many vital marine species and unique ecosystems but also the detrimental impact it will have on our existence too.
By merging the worlds of art and science, we create accessibility and we open up the conversation to a much broader audience. It’s easy to forget within the ocean science community that what is common knowledge within this space, is not necessarily the case in the wider world. For this reason, I hope that my work inspires individuals and communities to feel empowered by knowledge and create the opportunity to respond and take action.
To see more artwork and support her works please visit:
Website: www.belowandbeyondart.co.uk
Instagram: @Belowandbeyondart
Facebook: /belowandbeyondart
Twitter: @Janavi_kramer
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media