It’s a pleasure and honor to share with you through words and images. My name is Naomi Gittoes. I’m an artist and diver and I have spent a lifetime inspired by the ocean.
Originally from a very special beachside town called Bundeena in Australia, I have been fortunate enough to have grown in and around the ocean and lived all over the world exploring incredible underwater seascapes, from the Caribbean to the Indian and Pacific oceans.
At 20 years old I left Australia to become a divemaster and specialist diver diving on the island of Utila in Honduras, then pursued more advanced technical diving and cave diving living and working in Mexico and having the cenotes at my doorstep. Simultaneously, around 2011, I became very interested in free diving and began formal training to become an instructor in Dahab, Egypt, under the expert guidance of Linda Paganelli and Lotta Ericson.
I could write so many articles about diving! So, I want to consolidate it to this one. I’ll choose one topic! I would like to share with you about my work as an artist and designer and the incredible connection I have discovered between freediving, art, and spirituality.
Through my work I connect freediving and art with the ability to experience something greater than oneself.
The creation and appreciation of art can tap into deep emotions, convey messages, and inspire us to see the world in new ways, and there is a deeply spiritual, mystical quality to my work that shows the relationship between tangible and visionary realms of experience.
The inspiration for my work comes from the ocean and its mysteries.
I create work that depicts the natural beauty, power, and fragility of life, as well as exploring realms of imagination and fantasy.
In turn, I hope for these works to inspire others to connect with all of life and the inner and outer realms of existence more deeply.
Many people from around the world are wearing the fins I have designed both the DiveR collection and my original custom made fins as well as the artwork on the eco fashion collection I have created.
These products carry with them a message to become advocates for ocean conservation and to find a deep and meaningful connection through the art and the playful nature of the soul.
As a freediver, I am excited to share the beauty and freedom that comes with exploring in a single breath.
As an artist, I am constantly seeking inspiration for my work. I have found that freediving provides me with a unique and unparalleled source of inspiration.
One of the most inspiring aspects of freediving is the way it provides a way thousands to experience the world in a completely different way.
The colours, textures, and movement of the underwater world are unlike anything on land.
The way light filters through the water and illuminates the sea is truly magical.
The textures, geometry, and energy I experience in the natural world can be seen in the depictions painted in my designs.
Photo by Cassie Jensen
I believe art can be a powerful tool to create positive change in this world.
As free divers, our work is to become advocates for ocean conservation and awareness, this work can be deeply rewarding and is endlessly valuable.
I have had the privilege of experiencing thousands of hours underwater creating a career as a professional diver.
To honor the connection I have with the ocean and its treasures, I share my work with the world in many ways. I have worked with conservation movements and have collaborated with divers and ocean advocates all over the world with a similar vision to protect, educate, and inspire through our ocean and its diversity.
As we face a growing crisis in our oceans, it is more important than ever that we use art as a means of raising awareness and advocating for conservation.
More of my work can be seen on my social media pages and website with stories about projects past, present and future.
My most recent dreamscape was inspired by an unforgettable dive near Seal Rocks in NSW, Australia. During that dive, I was surrounded by a breathtaking array of fish, sharks, and rays. The sheer diversity and abundance of marine life left a profound impression on me, and I knew I had to capture that experience in my art.
I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible diversity of marine life, and this fascination led me to want to share my knowledge and love for these creatures with others.
I’m primarily self-taught. I’ve been doing illustrations for as long as I can remember, but I started taking it more seriously around three years ago.
I draw my inspiration primarily from the ocean itself. The underwater world is an endless source of wonder and beauty, and I find inspiration in the mesmerizing colors, intricate patterns, and fascinating creatures that inhabit it
While I don’t have formal training as a naturalist, spending countless hours exploring the ocean and observing its fascinating ecosystems has allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for the intricate beauty and complexity of marine life.
The vibrancy of the colors in my illustrations is largely a reflection of the real-life underwater world I’ve had the privilege to explore. I often base my colors on actual images I’ve captured with my underwater camera.
Every dive is a fresh source of creative ideas.
Creating these collections allows me to not only showcase the beauty and uniqueness of each species but also contribute to a resource that can help others learn more about the underwater world.
One crucial aspect of my process is using photos I’ve taken as references. These images serve as a valuable resource for capturing the intricate details and features of the subject accurately and ensure that my artwork remains true to the beauty of the natural world.
I seek to evoke emotions of tranquility, wonder, and responsibility, inviting viewers to not only admire the creatures I depict but also take action to protect them and engage in sustainable activities that ensure the health of our marine ecosystems.
I’d like viewers to leave my illustrations with a heightened appreciation for the ocean’s beauty, a stronger connection to nature, and a greater sense of responsibility towards marine conservation.
Ultimately, I aspire to play a meaningful role in the intersection of art, ocean advocacy, and conservation, contributing to a sustainable future for our oceans through my work.
Art is not just a passion for me; it’s my full-time job, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love.
Hailing from the picturesque shores of New Zealand, Mon’s connection with the sea is at the core of her creative journey. She’s not just an artist; she’s a free diver, a scuba dive instructor, and an adept spearfisherwoman. Over the past 8 years, Mon has explored the world’s oceans, diving into their mysteries and capturing their beauty. Mon specialises in marine illustrations, crafting captivating artworks that transport viewers beneath the waves. Guided by the visual references she captures with her underwater camera and enriched by her personal encounters with marine life, Mon’s art comes to life with authenticity and depth. She is also an advocate for sustainable spearfishing practices. She utilizes her art as a potent medium to raise awareness about the importance of responsible fishing.
