Fidan Karimova | Ocean Advocate | Artist | United States
Fidan Karimova is a water professional, an ocean advocate, and an artist. In addition to her work in water technology innovation and global sustainability, she enjoys creating artwork to support organisations working to protect our ocean for future generations -
Project Aware (2019), SEVENSEAS Media (2020), and One Ocean Diving (2021). In 2022 and this year her digital drawings will be sold to support Blue Scholars Initiative.
She is originally from Azerbaijan, a country located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, where she learned to appreciate the importance of clean water. In 2019, Fidan began drawing one art piece a month in order to donate the proceeds to a nonprofit of her choosing at the end of the year. To date, she has donated $950 to various ocean organizations.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
In 2014, when I started a blog to highlight the connection between the ocean and fashion.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Visiting the sea each summer in Azerbaijan, then continuing that tradition when my family moved to the United States. Whenever I want to destress, go think in peace, or I get antsy, the ocean serves as my go-to for discovery and inspiration.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
A non-profit that aligns with my beliefs, water technology innovation, with plenty of time to start my own sustainability company.
What/who currently inspires you?
Danni Washington, for carving a path that is truly unique that is a combination of art and science.
What do you value the most?
A life of balance - the ability to pursue your dreams, while taking care of life's mundane day-to-day requirements.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
The Blue Planet by Sir David Attenborough.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Build awareness around existing solutions for the oceans, while simultaneously equipping future sustainability leaders with the tools they need to succeed in their endeavours.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
There is never one clear path and each person has to take the time to learn what their strengths are, and how to apply them to better the world. Don't give up and give it time.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to be remembered as a person that truly contributed to keeping our planet pristine for generations to come.
