What is the Oceans Artist Residency?

Our friendship began in 2007 at an artist residency in France. Although we spent only a month there together, our bond was immediate and profound. Despite living on opposite sides of the world—me in the U.S. and Mercedes in Buenos Aires—we decided to stay connected. Thanks to the internet, we’ve been able to keep in touch, share our projects, and offer support when needed.

When Mercedes founded her organization, MANGO, I was incredibly proud and excited for her. I assisted in various ways, such as translating, helping with timelines, and serving on her selection committee for artist residencies, which have gained a reputation for their success and comprehensive approach

I decided to create a platform for artists centered on the oceans and the Ocean Decade. Moku’s first program, the Under the Sea virtual art exhibition, is held annually alongside the UN Ocean Decade Conference. This exhibition showcases the remarkable work of artists from around the globe, all focused on ocean protection and sustainability. My goal was to elevate the exhibition to a recognized initiative that not only broadens the artists' reach but also inspires both the general public and scientists to appreciate the value of collaborating with artists.

After launching the Under the Sea exhibition and receiving feedback from various artists about their experiences, I felt a strong desire to create a program where artists with a shared passion for ocean-themed work could collaborate, challenge one another, and build a supportive network and home base. I also wanted to provide a welcoming space for artists interested in exploring the oceans through their art. I reached out to Mercedes, who was a great source of encouragement. Together, we collaborated on and launched the Oceans Virtual Artist Residency.

The residency

The Oceans Virtual Artist Residency features five virtual meetings with international artists, guided by members of Moku Art Studio and MANGO. These sessions aim to help artists develop and refine their projects through thoughtful prompts that encourage introspection and connections among their work.

Artists have the chance to nurture their projects, present their ideas, express concerns, and receive constructive feedback to enhance their concepts. Throughout the program, they work on artistic projects inspired by the theme of Oceans, exploring it from various perspectives—technical, conceptual, reflective, and experiential.

The Oceans Virtual Artists Residency program consists of five weekly meetings, each with a unique concept designed to inspire artists to view their projects from a different angle. Additionally, one meeting features a guest speaker specializing in ocean science. For this first cohort, our speaker was Dr. Jenna Sullivan-Stack, whose background includes intertidal community ecology research along the US West Coast, focusing on species interactions and the impacts of environmental changes. Recently, Dr. Sullivan-Stack has shifted her focus towards integrating insights from both western science and other knowledge systems to inform ocean protection and management.

The residency culminates in a Virtual Open Studio and Exhibition Inauguration, where artists showcase their workspaces and creations to virtual visitors, offering insights into their art and creative processes.

We are incredibly proud to have Una Janićijević, Dodd Holsapple, Kirsten Carlson, and Van G. Garrett as the inaugural cohort of our residency. The program fostered a dynamic space for creativity, dialogue, and mutual influence. To give our audience and fellow artists a sneak peek, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the work each artist put in leading up to the final exhibition

Dodd Holsapple

Dodd continued his Reflections Series, integrating environmental data and collaborative dialogue into his evolving works. 

Q: Tell us what aspects were important to you when creating this project.

I placed a great deal of importance being in the moment during the Ocean Residency. I focused to resonate with our weekly discussions reflecting on our conversation and keeping close consideration to details presented and explored.

Afterwards, I constructed my creative process with the various topics and ideas we, the group discussed. This altered my artwork allowing it to change weekly, inspired by each resident artist adding connectivity and a flowing process to the creative process. Working as a studio artist in solitary thought pursuing the process of art this open interaction with other creatives truly inspired the development of my artwork. The resulting artwork includes moments and influences from my creative colleagues.

Van G. Garrett

Van combined ocean conservation themes with the rich tradition of African American quilting, hoping to inspire younger audiences with his patchwork collages. 

Q: How connected to the ocean did you feel when you started your project and how connected do you feel now?

I thought that I had a “strong” connection to the ocean before the Residency. However, my love for the ocean grew in many ways during and after this Fellowship! I have learned how to embrace the complexities of the sea–while using art and words to bring awareness about beautiful and boundless water bodies.

Una Janicijevic

Una used collage to evoke ancestral perspectives and highlight the need for ocean conservation.

Q: How important is "the net" to you in terms of the ocean, and in terms of your project?

The concept of a "net" is visually represented by the red masking tape matrix on the reverse side of my collage, with blue and black human figures forming an interconnected matrix that ripples like the ocean. The underlying message of my piece is that of a “net” of connection—connection between humans and the ecosystems we are part of as well as the connection and influence we can all have on one another. I often come back to these words from Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower: “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you.”

Kirsten Carlson

Kirsten explored the vibrant underwater world of Antarctica, bringing its beauty to life through her art.

Q: Why do you choose to be inspired by the ocean for your project?

I draw my inspiration from being underwater with the sea life that I illustrate. My undersea illuminations are important stepping stones in my work as an ocean-inspired artist because sketching, observing, journaling, and exploring are the seeds from which all my projects are born.