Episode #20 Janavi Folmsbee: Where Art, Science, and Ocean Advocacy Meet

In this episode of I Love Your Stories, Hava Gurevich is joined by Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee, a multimedia artist and marine conservation advocate whose work exists at the intersection of art, science, and ocean storytelling.The conversation explores Janavi’s journey from growing up in Mumbai to studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and how her first scuba diving experience in the Lakshadweep islands in 2008 transformed both her life and artistic practice.Janavi shares how she integrates scientific research into her work, collaborating with marine scientists on projects ranging from public art installations to scientific publications, all aimed at deepening connection and awareness around ocean ecosystems.The episode also highlights her exhibition Magic Water at the Rockport Center for the Arts in Texas, featuring underwater photography, oil paintings, and porcelain sculptures inspired by marine life from around the world.A thoughtful conversation on purpose, interdisciplinary creativity, and redefining success through meaningful connection and impact.New ExhibitionMagic Water at Rockport Art Center, April 18 - June 7, 2026https://www.rockportartcenter.com/exhibitions/janavifolmsbeeWebsite: www.janavimfolmsbee.com   IG:https://www.instagram.com/janavimahimturafolmsbee/Shownotes 00:00 Introduction to Janavi Folmsbee 01:05 Janavi’s work at the intersection of art and science 02:10 Sponsor message: Art Storefronts 03:25 Janavi’s background and growing up in Mumbai by the Arabian Sea 05:10 Becoming an artist and first solo exhibition at 16 06:40 Studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago 08:15 Interdisciplinary art practice, pigment theory, and materials 10:20 First dive experience and connection to the ocean 13:00 Recreating calm, meditation, and emotional connection through art 15:10 Becoming a scuba diver and ocean advocate 16:45 Working with divers and marine scientists 18:30 Art for scientific papers and collaboration with marine labs 20:15 Art as advocacy and education 22:10 Ocean optimism and ocean abundance 24:20 Why hope matters when communicating environmental issues 26:00 Art vs science: translating data into emotion 28:10 Installation work and the Lockett series 30:00 Current research: coraline algae and reef systems 32:15 Bioabundance and ecosystem balance 34:10 Invasive species and anthropogenic change 36:30 Questioning science and pushing new ideas 38:10 Exhibition Magic Water overview 40:20 Exhibition structure: photography, paintings, sculptures 42:30 What viewers will feel and experience 44:10 Concept of one ocean and global connection 46:00 Definition of success 48:20 Art, connection, and human response 50:30 Where to find Janavi online 51:20 Closing remarks and sponsor message