In considering candidates for the Boating Industry Profiles in Leadership spotlight for this marine environment issue , the big catch was as crystal clear as the ocean he loves . While his name is synonymous with stunning marine art that graces everything from home goods to prints , posters , calendars , books and limited-edition canvas giclee from original art - to the spectacular 1200-foot hull of the

By Wanda Kenton Smith

Norwegian Escape - few on the blue planet are more passionate about ocean conservation and the marine environment than Dr . Guy Harvey .

Guy has received countless accolades ranging from lifetime achievement and hall of fame induction from the IGFA , to multiple awards for conservation , humanitarian , entrepreneurship , community service , science and sports achievements .

Boating Industry hooked up with Guy from his home in Grand Cayman to learn about the genesis that sparked a lifelong passion for the ocean as well as his mission to protect , preserve and promote the marine environment that is his beloved domain .

Boating Industry ( BI ): You grew up in Jamaica in an active family with parents who loved the water and the outdoors . Reportedly , your love for marine life was prompted by your mother ’ s gift of Ernest Hemingway ’ s classic , The Old Man and the Sea . What was it about the book that unleashed your creativity ? Dr . Guy Harvey ( GH ): I read the book when I was 12 ; at 17 , I began a year-long project to illustrate the whole story properly . I considered the attempts made by other artists to be inadequate . Though completed in 1975 , there were additional images done in 1989 , to make 60 drawings . These were put in a book called Santiago ’ s Finest Hour in 1999 to celebrate Hemingway ’ s century year . Those original drawings are currently on display

at the Key West Art and Historical Society ’ s Customs House in Key West , Fla .

BI : What was your early focus ? GH : I spent much of my early life as a student , as well as dabbling in art and selling a few original pieces here and there , including art featuring a lot of Caribbean birds . I also joined the Jamaica Defense Force Coast Guard ( Navy ) Reserve in 1978 . Not only could I supplement my income as a PhD student , but I wanted to formalize my naval training , navigation and seamanship skills . I remained in the JDF for 10 years part time , reaching the rank of lieutenant .

BI : You earned degrees in marine biology with honors from Aberdeen University in Scotland , followed by a doctorate in fisheries science and management from the University of the West Indies in 1982 . While subsequently teaching , I understand you ‘ tested the waters ’ to display some original

Dr . Guy Harvey , world renowned marine artist , conservation leader , educator and champion .

limited-edition prints , which sold out and resulted in tremendous demand . Was that the official start of your business ? GH : My first one-man art show occurred in Jamaica in 1985 with subsequent shows in the Bahamas and in Florida in 1986 . Guy Harvey Inc . and Guy Harvey Publishing were formed in 1987 .

BI : Tell us about the size and scope of the organization today . GH : Guy Harvey Inc . is a licensing company based in Ft . Lauderdale and has two flagship art galleries and stores ; one on Las Olas , and the largest in the Grand Cayman . The Guy Harvey Foundation is based at the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center at Nova Southeastern University . We have a total of 20 people in various locations . Both our children , Jessica and Alex are deeply involved ; Jessica is CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation and Alex is Director of Marketing and Licensing with the forprofit company , Guy Harvey Inc . The online presence – guyharvey . com – is licensed to Intradeco

www . boatingindustry . com august 2023

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