Bastien Soleil | Underwater Artist | France
Born in 1979 in the volcanic region of France, Bastien spent several years as a successful designer and communications expert before selling his agency to disconnect from the busy French city and travel extensively in Asia. After this, he fully dedicated his time to building eco-friendly projects such as Bluenery, a sustainable clothing brand for ocean lovers.
Hooked after his first dive In 2015, freediving has allowed Bastien to connect with nature and find his photographic path.
“I believe in Freedom, not freedom to act foolish, but Freedom to be liberated of one's past and history, everything that limits ourselves. With the help of Water, I realized that we have no boundaries, it's a matter of energy and letting go.”
What is a typical day like for you?
Meditation, freediving, working, eating, meditation again & sleeping.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
More than a memory, it’s a feeling that changed all my life. Indeed more than 10 years ago I felt that money and fame will never bring me what I deeply need. Then I sold my business, my goods, my apartment, etc and I started to travel the world to slowly find myself.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
2 years ago. I was already into freediving for a while, and my visual experience of the underwater world was so magic that I had the need to share it.
What/who currently inspires you?
The Italian renaissance.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I don’t want and I cannot change anything except myself. So slowly for a decade, I do my best to evolve on a more balanced relationship with the earth.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope that people who meet me will understand that life can be full of creativity, without boundaries. We can be everything but for that, we have to leave the past in the past and take our heart as the main adviser. Only the heart knows what is deeply good for us. The mind is just the mind, it only knows what it’s already experienced and hates adventures...
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Don’t let your ideas stay in your mind. They are useless there. Bring them to reality. If what you create is not good enough, try again, and again. It’s ok, who cares! Doing something that you’ve never done before is like a baby learning to walk. If he falls, you won’t blame him, just support him with all your energy and heart. Be the same with yourself and then, one day you will run.
