The Backstory

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember—creating has always been how I connect with the world. I was born in Florida, where the ocean was never far away. One of my earliest memories is being pushed in a stroller through the underwater tunnel at SeaWorld, looking up as marine life drifted silently overhead. I didn’t have the words for it then, but I was completely captivated.

As I grew, that connection to the ocean only deepened. Learning about the threats marine life faces—pollution, overfishing, extinction—brought a weight I couldn’t ignore. I started small: beach cleanups, speaking out, doing my part. But I knew there was more I could do.

Everything shifted when I moved to Hawai‘i. The culture, the connection to the land and sea—it opened my eyes. I began to see the ocean in a new light. Then I went on my first shark dive with One Ocean Diving, and in a single moment, everything changed. I came face to face with one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet—not a monster, but a vital, intelligent, graceful being.

That encounter awakened something in me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it—the calm, the presence, the connection. I realized how deeply our view of the ocean is shaped by fear and misinformation—and how urgently we need a new narrative.

One night, in my small kitchen in Hawai‘i, I started sketching sharks—not to make a statement, but to hold onto that moment of peace. But as the drawings grew, I understood: this is how I can make a difference. Through art. Through truth. Through connection.

That was the beginning. What started as a lifelong love for the ocean became a mission. My work is now a reflection of that moment—and a commitment to protect what cannot speak for itself.

FAQs

Why Sharks?

Sharks are awe-inspiring apex predators and vital to the balance of marine ecosystems. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are vulnerable and often targeted by harmful practices. My connection with sharks began through direct encounters in the water—experiences that changed the way I see the ocean forever.

What conservation do you donate to?

15% of every purchase is donated to Save the Sea Turtles International. I first learned about Save the Sea Turtles International during a life-changing shark dive with One Ocean Diving. What began as a sea turtle rescue initiative has since evolved into a broader ocean conservation effort—one that now includes the protection of sharks and other marine life.

That moment underwater connected everything for me: the art I create, the wildlife I admire, and the urgent need to protect it all. Partnering with Save the Sea Turtles International allows me to give back in a tangible way—and invite others to do the same.

How can I get involved?

There are so many simple, powerful ways to help protect sharks and the ocean—even from home. Here are a few actions that truly make a difference:

  • Support One Ocean Diving:
    Check out organizations like One Ocean Hawai’i that are doing hands-on research and advocacy to protect sharks and educate the public.

  • Choose sustainable seafood:
    Avoid products with whitefish and other species often caught using methods that harm sharks and their ecosystems.

  • Educate others:
    Share what you learn. Most people don’t realize how essential sharks are to ocean health—and how misunderstood they really are.

  • Use your voice on social media:
    Share shark facts, tag conservation groups, and use your platform to shift the narrative. Every share counts.

  • Say no to shark fin products:
    Avoid buying or supporting anything made from shark fins, like shark fin soup. These products are driving the decimation of shark populations globally.

Mahalo nui loa for supporting my art and helping protect these incredible creatures!