Q&A Jason deCaires Taylor Sculptor, Great Barrier Reef Underwater Museum

QA& Meet Jason deCaires Taylor, creator of the new Great Barrier Reef Underwater Museum

NAME JASON DECAIRES TAYLOR

OCCUPATION SCULPTOR, ACTIVIST, MARINE CONSERVATIONIST, SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTOR

COUNTRY UNITED KINGDOM

Q You’re hailed as the world’s leading underwater sculptor. How did you end up becoming an underwater sculptor? I have always been fascinated by the underwater world, after studying fine art in London, I wanted to go travelling so I moved to Australia to become a dive instructor. The subsequent career was an obvious combination of the two fields.

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Q As pretty as these enigmatic sculptures are, there’s a strong commentary around climate change, conservation and regeneration. Has this always been a theme in your work? I am coming close to making over 1000 sculptures around the world, and each of the works aims to discuss a different theme, many related to the location they are sited. However over the years, as I have witnessed greater damage to our marine ecosystems and the realisation that we have very little time to turn climate change around, I have certainly focused and narrowed my message. Q Did you experience much of our beloved Great Barrier Reef before this project? Yes! I was very fortunate to work as the dive instructor both in Cairns and Airlie Beach in Queensland. Working on a liveaboard I manage to visit some really unexplored and pristine parts of the GBR.

Q What is your must-dive recommendation for enthusiasts? Ice diving in Norway or for somewhere slightly warmer, the Cenotes in Mexico is essential.

Q What are some habits we can adopt to contribute to conservation efforts and make a difference in protecting our waters and sealife? Vote! Especially for parties that have strong environmental policies and agenda. Aim to make your life carbon neutral (easier said than done). Donate to charities such as Greenpeace, Oceana, and support Extinction Rebellion.

For more information and to book, visit Museum of Underwater Art

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