Storytelling of Marine Conservation with Belizean Artist Ernest Garcia

An illustrator starts with a line, a photographer begins with light, and a filmmaker begins with a plot.  Beginnings may be obscure, but the end goal is clear for every artist: storytelling. Their art exists to put us in a place and form a connection. After all, art evokes emotion and emotion leads us to take action. Starting at the tender age of just 16 years old, Belizean marine artist Ernest Garcia began channeling his passion for fishing onto the canvas, with acrylics as his medium of choice. It’s why his art and conservation are inevitably intertwined, with his ultimate call to action being marine protection of the places and species found just offshore of Belize’s 185-mile barrier reef. 

“If we do our part in protecting our [marine] environment, we can see these beautiful scenes in real life, forever, and not just on canvas.”

-Ernest Garcia

For nearly a decade, the Belize Game Fish Association has been honored to have Ernest Garcia’s original artwork help tell our story. Now, it’s time to tell his. As a Platinum Sponsor of our 15th Annual Belikin Blue Water Classic this October 2024, we are honored to host original Ernest Garcia artwork on this year’s prize table! 

For Ernest Garcia, a Placencia native and fisherman—by profession, grandfathered in—art is personal. Since the year 2000, Garcia has completed nearly 550 original paintings, which include a handful that’s been graciously donated to this year’s prize table for top placements. However, you may recognize Garcia’s artwork on Belikin Beer’s artisan 2018 limited-edition bottles, which include scenes from his daily life on the Placencia Peninsula. “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 part of his heritage by default—considering residents of Placencia Village historically earned their livelihoods from the sea—Ernest doubles as a world-class fly-fishing guide at Tarpon Caye Lodge, when not behind his easel. Combining daily scenes of his livelihood as a fishing guide with his love of sport fishing, Ernest’s artwork is dedicated to the avid angler. 

“As both a recreational fisher and professional guide, I consider myself a conservationist by default. Without fish in the water, I could not enjoy this healthy pastime that makes so many happy—responsible anglers care deeply for the marine environment because of how rewarding it is for us. I’m just relaying that onto the canvas with my art: not just to raise awareness but also general understanding, hopefully sparking both interest and inspiration for Belize’s marine resources and their joys.”

To support Ernest Garcia, you can find him inside his self-named gallery, Ernest Garcia Art, on the Tipsy Strip inside Placencia Village on the sidewalk, or on social media at @ernestgarcia.art. And if you’d like to see Ernest’s work for yourself, join us at Old Belize in Belize City for the 15th Annual Belikin Blue Water Classic on October 17th through 19th, 2024!