History of Guy Harvey and His Hawaiian Apparel
The vivid and realistic art of marine biologist Guy Harvey adorns a line of tropical fashions that brings the beauty and color of the sea to resort wear with the authentic details only a scientist could capture. Harvey is famed for his dynamic paintings of sport fish, which are often set against the backdrop of their ocean environment.
Guy Harvey, born in 1955, grew up in Jamaica, fishing and diving in the Caribbean waters off the islandâs southern shore. His early ocean explorations fueled his fascination with creatures of the deep, and he spent many hours sketching the marine life he witnesses there. He pursued an education in marine biology at Scotlandâs Aberdeen University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1977. He returned to the Caribbean to pursue graduate studies, completing a doctorate in fisheries management in 1982 at the University of the West Indies. While engaged in his scientific training, he continued his art and developed a following of loyal fans for his highly detailed portraits of marine life.
As a young student, he was captivated by Ernest Hemingwayâs classic novella âThe Old Man and the Sea.â Harnessing his artistic talents, Harvey sketched a series of pen-and-ink drawings illustrating Hemingwayâs story of Santiagoâs battle with a giant marlin. A 1985 exhibit of these drawings in a Kingston, Jamaica gallery launched his career as an artist.
Harvey continued his study of marine life, traveling the world, embarking on scuba diving expeditions and mastering underwater photography, which allowed him to paint with greater detail and accuracy the leaping sports fish and other creatures of the ocean.
In 1999, Harvey collaborated with the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center to establish the Guy Harvey Research Institute, a conservation organization seeking to preserve species endangered by the oceansâ changing ecosystem. Harvey also funds research in the field of wild fish management through the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from his art sales is dedicated to these causes.
Harvey has received numerous awards for his conservation efforts and his contributions to the sports-fishing industry. Currently, he works from his art studio in Grand Cayman where he lives with his wife and children. Guy Harvey clothing can be purchased at Tropiholic.com, along with Hawaiian dresses and other quality tropical fashions.