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The idea for Sensational Seas had been rumbling inside my
head since the
fall of 2002 when my husband Ned and I sat in the salon of
the live-aboard Don Jose with mouths-agape watching
spellbinding video of a cormorant fishing underwater. The
amazing images were shot in the Sea of Cortez by our dive
guide and amateur videographer Peter Schalkwijk. A pattern
was unfolding: each time we traveled to a dive
destination, someone always seemed to have some astounding
footage to share. Sometimes rare, sometimes outrageous,
sometimes funny, it was always something so extraordinary
that we felt that it should be seen by fellow divers.
I
envisioned an anthology of exceptional underwater images
from both established professionals and talented amateurs,
always with the intent of conveying the joy and adventure
inherent in diving and the fun and heady satisfaction we
have in doing what we do.
Hoping they would be willing to participate, I discussed
the project with legendary filmmakers Michele and Howard
Hall, and it was Michele who suggested donating the
proceeds to charity. Howard graciously contributed a
favorite piece from his preeminent nature library, and we
had the first installment of our anthology! During a trip
to Indonesia, Annie Crawley showed us a heartwarming
segment of courting dolphins shot in Belize, half a world
away. Friends from Scuba West Virginia told us about Dan
Graham's "must see" behavior of a hunting moray eel. At a
party in Fort Lauderdale, Simon Christopher showed us
Scubazoo's latest work. Wonderful images were everywhere
and each person I asked generously donated his or her work
to the project. I only wish there had been room for more.
All
proceeds from the sale of Sensational Seas Two DVD go to
ocean charities. |
