Interview: Jasmine Hortop

Preferred Pronoun?
She/ Her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
The aim of this piece is to spur conversation on the physical and mental barriers refugees and asylum seekers around spending time in the ocean, so I'm pleased to bring this to a global platform.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
This piece was the outcome of 4 months volunteering and working immersively with Reclaim The Sea on their summer programme. Time in the ocean together as a group, forming bonds and growing confidence.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
I'm excited to be pushing how illustration can be used. Both in it's physicality but also in it's potential to raise awareness of causes around social justice, and the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Where do you usually work?
I work from my studio at Krowji, Cornwall's largest creative hub, while my advocacy is a direct product of my environment and lifestyle surfing, sea-swimming, and working with conservation projects.

How long did it take to complete your project?
The project spanned around 5 months in total from my first outreach to Reclaim The Sea, immersing myself in the group sessions, interviews, and then the development, testing, and creation of the piece

What is your dream commission?
I'd love to create a really immersive walk through 3D ocean installation that included gorgeous digital projections and murals, all for a really powerful marine conservation campaign.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love to draw things inspired by the flow of nature, my work is very organic is it's movement, and I get lost in a real flow when drawing ocean related imagery.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
To not get lost in trends or instagram, and just focus on drawing what you really truly love, as that will become your USP

What are your plans for the future?
I am working on campaigns to advocate for sustainability, conservation, and nature, and have started mentoring and lecturing around using art for advocacy. Let's use our skills for a bright future!


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