Art with Heart: Can a Single Photo Help Protect the Natural World?

photos JASMINE CAREY 

Art can be a powerful force for change, making a deep and moving impact on people’s hearts and minds. It can also be rad as hell. There are so many talented creatives in Australia moving and shaking to make the world a better, and more beautiful, place. We’ve introduced a new digital series called Art with Heart to showcase superstars in our local art scenes and get to know the hearts behind the art. 

Created by world-renowned photographers Jasmine Carey and Darren Jew, the Canopy Awards return in 2023 to showcase the best in nature photography. An initiative by Rainforest Rescue – a not-for-profit organisation that has been protecting and restoring rainforests since 1999 through planting, maintenance and restoration programs, as well as purchasing and protecting high conservation value rainforest and preserving its biodiversity – the Canopy Awards create a platform to promote the beauty and fragility of the rainforests and their unique ecology and biodiversity.

No stranger to this mission and the power of photography to start meaningful conversations, Jasmine’s emotive eye takes viewers underneath the surface to marvel at the magnificence of the big blue. To learn more about how loving something so often leads to protecting it, we caught up with Jasmine to explore more about her photography journey. Entries for the 2023 Canopy Awards are now open – enter any photo, of any rainforest, taken at any time! 

How did you come to be a photographer?

Since a young age, the ocean and its creatures have filled me with awe. When I felt old and brave enough, I took the plunge and started scuba diving. While I admired those who captured the beauty of the underwater world with their cameras, it all looked too cumbersome and I was content living in the moment and preserving memories in my mind.

During family vacations and visits, I would take pictures with my parents’ camera whenever I was allowed. Over time, I continued diving without a camera and enjoyed each moment to the fullest.

Now, I am able to live my dream of capturing the magic of the ocean every day.

Eventually, opportunities presented themselves, and I gave in to starting to capture underwater images. At first, it was to show family and friends why it fascinated me so much, as I always had a lot to say after a dive. And a photo helped. I have been lucky to be able to turn my weekend hobby into a full-time career. Now, I am able to live my dream of capturing the magic of the ocean every day, turning my weekends into weekdays.

Tell us about your process of creating an image…

I have, over the years, created a Rolodex of images in my mind, and I hope that our paths will cross at some point in time. And there is always the unexpected beauty that just catches your eye – sometimes stuns you so much that you just allow yourself to live it, other times you remember, “This will be a beautiful image, better try.”

I am captivated by the interplay of colours, patterns, textures and light in the underwater world. From the vibrant hues of coral to the intricate details of sea creatures, every moment in the ocean is an opportunity to capture something breathtaking.

Where do you find inspiration?

The ocean, with its vast expanse of blue and teeming marine life, never ceases to amaze me. I am captivated by the interplay of colours, patterns, textures and light in the underwater world. From the vibrant hues of coral to the intricate details of sea creatures, every moment in the ocean is an opportunity to capture something breathtaking.

When I travel to different cultures and places, I am constantly inspired by the unique beauty and perspectives that each has to offer. The new experiences and perspectives gained from my travels inform my artistic vision and allow me to approach my work with a fresh perspective. 

In addition to the natural world, I find inspiration in the work of other photographers and artists, regardless of their mediums. I am drawn to the ways in which they capture the beauty and complexity of the world, and strive to broaden my artistic horizons by exploring new styles, approaches and perspectives.

What motivates you to create?

Motivated by my passion for the ocean and its delicate ecosystem, I work tirelessly to raise awareness of the need to protect and preserve this vital natural resource. Through collaborations with families, businesses, and organisations, I leverage my photography to advocate for the conservation of both the oceans and the land, and the creatures that inhabit them.

By showcasing the need for mindfulness in our choices and kindness towards our planet through various mediums, we can reach a wider audience and encourage others to take action in their own spheres. The more perspectives we can engage with, the greater the likelihood that people will agree and work towards positive change.

What delights you about photography?

For me, photography is the ultimate treasure hunt – one that allows me to explore and experience the wild beauty of nature. With each lens I choose, my eyes and mind are opened to the unexpected moments of joy, drama, and action that the world has to offer. I remember when I got my macro lens… OMG! The details that I saw, the new faces that I met! Photography has deepened my appreciation of the world’s natural beauty and the details that I’ve discovered through my lenses have been nothing short of miraculous. Each time I pick up my camera, I am filled with a sense of wonder and anticipation, eager to capture the next magical moment.

By showcasing the need for mindfulness in our choices and kindness towards our planet through various mediums, we can reach a wider audience and encourage others to take action in their own spheres. The more perspectives we can engage with, the greater the likelihood that people will agree and work towards positive change.

Has your style/practice changed over time?

This would have to be one for the viewer and it is ultimately up to the viewer to decide what my work means to them. As a photographer, I aim to capture a moment in time that has multiple layers of meaning, and I also incorporate my personal interpretation into my images. My goal is to visually convey the richness and complexity of the moment through my work.

Why do you think art and photography are important to society?

It is a form of enrichment in the way of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something, and there are many reasons and ways that art and photography can enrich society, making them important aspects of human culture.

Art and photography can inspire people and spark their imagination. They can evoke emotions, provoke thought and challenge people’s perceptions of the world. This can lead to new ideas, new perspectives, and even social and political change.

Secondly, art and photography provide a means of self-expression for artists and photographers. They allow individuals to convey their unique perspectives and experiences in a way that words alone cannot always capture. This can be particularly powerful for marginalised or underrepresented groups whose voices may not otherwise be heard.

Thirdly, art and photography can serve as historical records of a particular time and place. They can document social and cultural movements, important events, and even everyday life. This can help future generations understand and learn from the past.

Lastly, art and photography can be a source of beauty and enjoyment for individuals, providing a respite from the stresses and challenges of everyday life. They can bring people together, create a sense of community and provide a shared experience that can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

READ MORE – “It Shows Us What It Is That Is Worth Saving”: Aurora’s Five Songs for the Earth

What could society do to better support artists? 

There are many many ways to better support artists. Some countries, cities, towns etc do it a lot better than others!

A few things that come to mind are:

ONE // Offering more exhibition opportunities. Artists need opportunities to showcase their work to the public. Society could provide more exhibition opportunities, such as galleries, museums and public art programs to help artists gain exposure and build their careers.

TWO // Creating more public art. Public art not only beautifies public spaces but also provides opportunities for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. Society could create more public art programs and commissions to support artists and bring more art to public spaces.

THREE // Protecting artists’ rights. Artists’ rights are often overlooked as artists face legal challenges related to copyright infringement, intellectual property theft and other issues. Society could create stronger legal protections for artists to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work and that their rights are respected.

FOUR // Accepting the value, professionalism, expertise, pursuit and journey of the artist/photographer. Some images are truly one-in-a-lifetime images. Valuing and acknowledging the worth, skill, professionalism and effort that artists, photographers and very often their teams, put into their work is crucial. Often, these professionals embark on challenging journeys and exercise great patience to capture unique and exceptional images. However, with the rise of social media and AI technology, it has become easier for anyone to get to, access and share images, which can dilute the value of a photographer’s hard work and expertise. Nonetheless, we must recognise and honour the pursuit of these one-of-a-kind images, particularly when they require traversing the wilderness and working as part of a team.

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