We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Judy Salinsky a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Judy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My dream project is to be a featured artist showcasing my bronze marine sculptures in the Aquarium of the Pacific Art Gallery. My art is deeply rooted in my passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, and I believe it would resonate with your audience. I hope to create a relief sculpture of the Sting Ray Shuffle poem with rays and kelp flowing around the poem.

Notably, my sculpture “Fever,” featuring a fever of five rays, was displayed at the National Sculpture Society in New York City in September 2019, receiving recognition for its artistic excellence and connection to the marine world.
My vision extends beyond art; I aim to educate the public on the importance of protecting our marine life. What distinguishes my work is the meticulous attention to anatomical accuracy, noted by Dr. Chris Lowe from Long Beach State University’s “Shark Lab.”

My connection to the ocean, nurtured by a beachside upbringing, infuses authenticity into my work. Ocean swimming, for me, is both physical and meditative, allowing me to observe the beauty and grace of marine life up close.
I am eager to share the wonders of the ocean with your readers.

Judy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Welcome. I am an oceanic artist who depicts sea life in bronze and oil paintings. For nearly four decades, I have passionately worked to bring awareness of the ecology of the Pacific Ocean. I’ve studied marine biology and oceanography and spent countless hours underwater, scuba diving, and swimming. Firsthand knowledge of aquatic life has exposed me to—and compelled me through my art—to help others understand the beauty and destruction of the ocean.

My mind is often fixated on ways to express my deep love and respect for the ocean, so much that I often find it difficult to relax. Ocean swimming helps me focus. When swimming, ideas are fine-tuned; I can see a clear picture of my next project. It starts with that first scent of salty air hitting my nose and sending a positive jolt of energy through my body. I am rejuvenated when the water washes over my feet and hits my legs. Once my face is in the water, I swim through the waves—often a hard-fought, physical act—searching for calmer spaces and hoping to glimpse sea life. On a perfect day, schools of fish, stingrays, sea lions, and dolphins, who often swim very close, welcome me. Seagulls and pelicans skim the water’s surface, looking for a meal. It is here that I feel joy. It is my second home, where I belong. In the ocean, I am at peace.

Notably, my sculpture “Fever,” featuring a school of five rays, was displayed at the National Sculpture Society in New York City in September 2019, receiving recognition for its artistic excellence and connection to the marine world.
My vision extends beyond art; I aim to educate the public on the importance of protecting our marine life. What distinguishes my work is the meticulous attention to anatomical accuracy of my sting rays, which Dr. Chris Lowe noted at Long Beach State University Marine Biology Department and the Shark Lab.

Nothing can replace the joy of being in the ocean, but I hope that portraying the beauty and grace of sea life will inspire viewers to embrace their role in supporting the world beneath the waves.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Growing up near the beach, I never knew why some surfer jumped on their board in shallow water; why didn’t they walk out to deeper water and then get on their board?

I learned the hard way:
The stingray rested quietly in the shallows of our sandy shoreline until I forgot to do the “Stingray Shuffle” and was nailed by its barbed tail. Over the years, I have had the unfortunate privilege of being struck three times by the incredible pain that comes with disturbing these beautiful creatures, and it was these moments of excruciating pain that motivated me to turn an uncomfortable experience into public art.

I intend to cast a giant bronze stingray or a Fever of them as a sculpture depicting beautiful stingrays in their natural habitat and install it in public view with curved bands and stainless steel bands that represent our ocean currents. The stainless steel bands would be artfully displayed on the bands for oceangoers to read the poem of the Stingray Shuffle. My dream is to have this relief sculpture at our beaches in California, where rays are present, and to educate the public.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am a cancer survivor. Since my first diagnosis nearly 30 years ago, I have faced cancer three times. Yet, even when first diagnosed at 39, I never stopped doing what was suitable for my mind and body. I ate right; I was a dancer, triathlete, runner, and ocean swimmer. When my mind was ready, I continued my art. Now, at 68, I have been clear for three years, and yet again, I focus on my wonderful life with my husband, kitty, friends, and art.

Contact Info:

• Website: judysalinsky.com
• Instagram: @Judysalinskyart
• Facebook: Judy Salinsky Artist
• Youtube: Judy Salinsky

Image Credits
Judy Salinsky