Introduction
As an artist, my relationship with the sea is deeply personal, shaped by my experiences living by the coast of Brighton and growing up on the Kent coast in Margate; and my desire to understand the oceans on a much deeper level, as well as the human connection with these blue spaces. My upcoming solo exhibition, “We Are The Sea”, is a tribute to this connection, exploring the intersection of art, nature, and the voices of women who dedicate their lives to the ocean.

The Sea Portraits
At the heart of We Are The Sea are the Sea Portraits—a series of works inspired by interviews with local women whose lives and work are tied to the Sussex coastline. From marine biologists to environmental activists, each portrait in this collection tells a personal story of connection to the sea.

The interviews with these inspiring women have been crucial in shaping my artistic process. Dr. Catherine Kelly, an expert in the restorative power of water, shares her insights on the emotional and physical benefits of the ocean. Coral Evans of Leave No Trace Brighton speaks about her mission to combat beach litter, while Christine Addison, a Channel swimmer, talks about the unspoken strength and resilience needed to swim across such challenging waters.

Through these voices, my goal is to capture the emotional essence of their stories and convey the shared responsibility we have to protect our oceans. The sea portraits offer a more intimate, personal connection to the environment, bringing forward the often unheard voices of those working to protect it.

Creating Textural Seascapes
Alongside the Sea Portraits, I have created textural seascapes that invite viewers to experience the ocean’s power through the materials themselves. These pieces incorporate found ocean debris, crushed shells, seaweed, and plastic waste, all of which give the works a raw, tactile energy that mimics the movement of the sea. I use mixed media and natural materials to reflect the sea’s ever-changing nature, capturing its fluidity and depth.

This fusion of art and activism—where the beauty of the sea is intertwined with calls to action about marine pollution and coastal erosion—serves as a reminder that our oceans are not only beautiful but also vulnerable. Every piece in this exhibition tells a story about the need for sustainability and conservation.

WE ARE THE SEA: A World Ocean Day Art Exhibition

📅 29 May – 9 June
📍 Gallery 19a, Hollingdean Terrace, Brighton BN1 7HB
💬 I’ll be there every day — come by, see the work, and let’s talk about the sea.