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 Exhibition
Magic Water at Rockport Art Center, April 18 - June 7, 2026
https://www.rockportartcenter.com/exhibitions/janavifolmsbee

Website: 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