How This Belizean Artist Uses Their Art to Promote Sportfishing and Conservation
“I was born a fisherman and artist; my goal is to inspire people to care for the [marine] world,” says Belizean artist Ernest Garcia.
A native of Placencia Village, you may recognize Garcia’s artwork on Belikin Beer’s artisan 2018 Limited Edition bottles or from our prize tables over the years where his art imitates his own personal memories. “I drew this [fishing scene on the Belikin bottle] because as a child, the first thing you’re exposed to [in Placencia Village] is actually fishing.” It’s exactly why Ernest’s reputation also doubles as a world-class guide at Tarpon Caye Lodge. Combining daily scenes of his livelihood as a fishing guide with his personal love of sport fishing, Ernest’s artwork is dedicated to the avid angler. This year, registered participants can expect four donated prizes of original artwork from Ernest Garcia himself for top placements in the 14th Annual Belikin Blue Water Classic held October 21-22, 2023 in Belize City!
“After a tour, I’ll get a requested piece from my guests once they realize I’m also a marine artist. Not only does that further help to support me as an artist and guide, but it’s an extra gift to the angler to be able to memorialize that moment of catching and releasing their prize fish caught in Belize, whether they landed a grand slam or not.”
And when it comes to stomping grounds, Garcia has the pick of the litter. Considered the permit capital of the world, Southern Belize’s saltwater fishing flats make for custom-tailored catches and Garcia operates only 6 miles west of the second longest barrier reef in the world on a private island.
In fact, Belize is proud to be a country that protects bonefish, tarpon, and permit. By law, all fish must be immediately and safely released in the same state as it was caught, which classifies these three sportfish as catch-and-release-only species.
Catch and Release
At just 16 years old, Ernest Garcia began channeling his passion for fishing onto the canvas, with acrylics as his medium of choice. Since the year 2000, Garcia has completed over 500 original paintings.
“My two passions are fishing and painting, with one inspiring the next. It’s here that I fully realized my drive for conservation and chose to move from commercial fishing to being a full-time sportfishing guide and artist instead. I hope my work inspires others to do their part in protecting our oceans—either through fishing, art, or both.”
Whether coming to Belize in pursuit of your grand slam or in admiration of one of Ernest Garcia’s marine artworks, the diverse accounts of how people connect to their national marine environment when woven together, create a dynamic story—a story that reflects how we collectively think of and value a place like Belize.
“My paintings are a platform for visualizing these stories, and I hope they provide you a new look at our [collective] marine resources in Belize and inspire you to consider your connection to the sea and what it provides for us all. For work, for pleasure, or just because,” Garcia continues. “I hope that my artwork inspires others of the beauty and importance of sportfishing in our community.””
If you’d like to see Ernest’s work for yourself, join us at Old Belize in Belize City for the 14th Annual Belikin Blue Water Classic on October 20-21, 2023, where Garcia will have paintings on sale alongside his donated artwork on our Prize Table.
