Ian Daniell – Life-Size Ocean Art, Celebrating Marine Conservation

Ian Daniell is a British artist and ocean explorer based in Margaret River, Western Australia. His signature "Life-Size Ocean Art" series brings marine life to scale, capturing the essence of iconic ocean species in vivid, striking detail.

Initially immersed in London's dynamic art scene, Ian transitioned from urban landscapes to the vast blue expanse of Australia's western coast. This shift not only transformed his creative process but also deepened his commitment to marine conservation. With each artwork, he fosters awareness of the ocean’s fragile ecosystems, donating 1% of his sales to the "30x30" initiative—an ambitious global effort to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.

Early Artistic Career in London: A Foundation in Fine Arts

Born in Sunderland, UK, in 1986, Ian pursued his passion for art at Chelsea and Camberwell College of Arts, graduating between 2006 and 2010. His formative years were spent in London, where he quickly gained recognition through solo exhibitions and participation in renowned showcases like the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Beyond his projects, Ian worked as a project manager and art technician for esteemed artists such as Sir Anish Kapoor and institutions like the British Museum. This experience refined his technical expertise and instilled a discipline that would later shape his large-scale ocean-inspired works.

The Call of the Ocean: A Move to Australia and the Birth of Life-Size Ocean Art

In 2018, Ian’s artistic trajectory took a profound turn when he travelled to Western Australia. Encounters with marine giants—orca, whale sharks, and manta rays—sparked a newfound creative purpose. Inspired by the sheer presence of these creatures, he relocated to Margaret River, where he began developing his Life-Size Ocean Art series.

His approach is both scientific and expressive, depicting marine species at their true scale with bold, arresting colour palettes. These artworks bridge the gap between artistic interpretation and conservation messaging, immersing viewers in the awe-inspiring presence of ocean life.

Exhibitions and Recognition: Building a Legacy of Oceanic Art

Ian’s transition to ocean-inspired art has garnered significant attention, leading to solo exhibitions like OCEAN and SWIM at Kamilé Gallery in Perth. His work has also been featured in esteemed group exhibitions such as the Bunbury Biennale and Walyalup Waters at PS Art Space in Fremantle.

One of his most notable achievements came in 2022 when his piece Krill—a meticulous composition of thousands of krill painted at a 1:1 scale—was acquired by WA Museum | Boola Bardip. Now displayed alongside the museum’s famous Otto the Blue Whale, the piece underscores the vital role krill play in marine ecosystems.

Ian’s Life-Size Ocean Art pieces are available as limited-edition fine art prints, each annotated with the print size relative to the original, reinforcing their connection to real-world marine biology.

Art and Conservation: Supporting the 30x30 Global Initiative

Beyond aesthetics, Ian’s art is a vessel for advocacy. His unwavering dedication to marine conservation is exemplified by his partnership with the "30x30" initiative. By contributing 1% of his art sales to this cause, he actively supports efforts to safeguard marine environments from climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

Each of his works highlights the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, urging viewers to recognise the urgency of ocean conservation. His art is not merely a visual experience—it is a call to action.

Opening a Creative Hub: Ian Daniell Art Studio & Gallery

In March 2024, Ian took a significant step in his artistic journey by opening the Ian Daniell Art Studio & Gallery in Cowaramup, Western Australia. More than just a gallery, this space serves as an interactive hub where exhibitions, workshops, and conservation-driven events take place.

Through this creative platform, Ian fosters engagement between art lovers, environmentalists, and the broader community. Visitors can witness his process firsthand, deepening their understanding of marine life through artistic storytelling.

The Future of Life-Size Ocean Art: Ian’s Vision for Art and Conservation

Ian’s future is anchored in his dual mission of artistic innovation and marine advocacy. He envisions expanding the reach of Life-Size Ocean Art, creating larger installations and immersive exhibitions that bring people closer to the ocean’s wonders.

With plans for further collaborations, educational initiatives, and conservation partnerships, Ian remains committed to using his art as a catalyst for change. Through his meticulous portrayals of marine species and his unwavering dedication to ocean protection, he continues to redefine the intersection of art and conservation, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the beauty and significance of our seas.