Meet Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janavi below.

Hi Janavi, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your thoughts of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
The marine world gives me so much happiness and peace when I dive. I live and work in Houston, Texas. If you told me 15 years ago when I began my Marine Conservation art practice, that there would be one of sixteen US Marine Sanctuaries located here in Texas, and that I would be sitting on the Advisory Council to NOAA (making Monumental public art to bring attention to the beauty of the sanctuary), I wouldn’t have believed you. Life is like the ocean: it has its mysteries, and like water I have learned to go with the flow. There will always be those who will tell you what you can not do. But like a horse wearing blinders, it is easier said than done. I learnt to shut out what anyone would say aside from my voice of pure positive manifestation. That is the biggest secret to overcoming anything and to gaining self-confidence.

I am breaking the ceiling: I never thought I would be here, and honestly, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t be able to explore and make my art, and the work the way I do. Being grateful for the opportunity to think outside the box and make monumental artworks like Rail to the Sea, (a freestanding mural which is archival and has held up its vibrant colors today since 2016). Rail to the Sea is 32 feet tall by 140 feet long, at the time it was the 6th largest mural in Houston, and it is all hand brushed. I was 26 when I painted that work. Every project has been a learning and teaching moment.

One of the things I went through that not many people know about me, and I don’t want to hide anymore is that I was diagnosed with chronic psoriatic arthritis when I was 24. The day I was notified I was also selected as a finalist to paint Rail to the Sea. My doctors told me I needed to consider changing my lifestyle and the work I do, because my entire spine had become fused from my disease. I decided to not ever let anything stop me from doing what I love or creating art. Today I am 37 and I have several world-recognized award-winning public art installations that are monumental. I have so much resilience, love and passion for my cause and drive. That work today is my inspiration knowing that I can do anything in my lifetime if I set my mind to do it. I created a moment in history by creating that work of art, it impacted many other artists around Houston to consider thinking archivally. It became so popular as a site in Houston that Pokémon GO made it a POKE stop, deep in the center of the arts district.
So, dream big and don’t let anything stop you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My artwork is inspired from being physically submerged underwater, scuba diving into a different world and recreating that moment of beauty for the viewer along with researching different Marine habitats and tidepool systems worldwide. The focus is to share the positivity and beauty of our marine life in a scientific and educational manner. As I believe you can achieve real positive change in the world through an encouraging endeavor. Having shown artwork in exhibitions on five continents and with a vast knowledge of materials and techniques, we innovate to make unique installations and artwork. As a mid-career artist, with a prolific art practice, who works in various media, from fine art oil paintings to large, interactive public art installations that are both educational and uplifting. CODAworx not only named me as a 2023 Creative Revolutionary, but also as one of the top art and design leaders changing the world. We were also honored with the organization’s 2023 “People’s Choice” award for: The Aquarius Art Tunnel. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago, where I had the opportunity to study under great minds like Nick Cave. I have successfully completed numerous large-scale art projects for clients, including The Rail to the Sea, and Waves of Wonder in Houston, both of which are featured on Google Earth.

My two most notable and recent installations are on display at the George Bush International Airport (IAH). The Aquarius Art Tunnel, a 240-foot-long immersive art installation which was endorsed as a global site known for its scientific and academic importance towards ocean conservation in 2022. Through the United Nations Decades of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, UNDOS created by UNESCO. The installation was also honored with the Silver National Mural Award by the National Mural Award organization for Region Four as the first South Asian Indian woman to be added into the Houston City Airports Art Collection. In 2024, we created Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles. A 321-foot-long window installation of 19, 90-inch diameter windows, a permanent installation located in the new International Mickey Leiland Terminal created through the airport’s design Budget. We are all connected in this world through water. By using ocean advocacy, I strive to create art that reveals what is often out of sight through positivity.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
• If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Remember that there is always a solution to any problem you encounter. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the nitty-gritty challenges that present themselves in your career. “No,” is not an answer that should be a part of your vocabulary – this is the secret to the success of the execution of a public artwork or any project.

2. Always believe in yourself. There will always be opposition that you will face on your professional journey, but never stop advocating for yourself as an artist. Manifest positivity and trust in yourself and process.

3. Innovation comes from experimentation. Figure it out for yourself, because if you don’t, how can you make something new? I always get asked about technique by artists, and the truth is that I am constantly playing with new technology and materials. So try to just compete from within and innovate! Remember you are your own competition and that’s what makes a brilliant artist brilliant! And stand out!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shout out for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mother is my biggest Cheerleader. I am grateful to my family and my Studio Team! They are always here for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Title: Water Whips, Sanctuary Tunnel Medium: Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles consists of original artwork digitally manipulated by the artist in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator from her original Oil paintings and Ball point ink black sketches. The works are made using a print process that follows silk screening methods to create a fine art print on a clear film. Located as a permanent installation at the international terminal of the George Bush International Airport, the imagery highlights the importance of marine conservation and our responsibility to these delicate ecosystems. Dimensions: The installation is 321 feet long, with a total of nineteen 90 inch in diameter windows. Year: 2023 Title: Water Whips, Sanctuary Tunnel Medium: Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles consists of original artwork digitally manipulated by the artist in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator from her original Oil paintings and Ball point ink black sketches. The works are made using a print process that follows silk screening methods to create a fine art print on a clear film. Located as a permanent installation at the international terminal of the George Bush International Airport, the imagery highlights the importance of marine conservation and our responsibility to these delicate ecosystems. Dimensions: The installation is 321 feet long, with a total of nineteen 90 inch in diameter windows. Year: 2023 Title: Water Whips, Sanctuary Tunnel – WINDOW DETAIL Medium: Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles consists of original artwork digitally manipulated by the artist in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator from her original Oil paintings and Ball point ink black sketches. The works are made using a print process that follows silk screening methods to create a fine art print on a clear film. Located as a permanent installation at the international terminal of the George Bush International Airport, the imagery highlights the importance of marine conservation and our responsibility to these delicate ecosystems. Dimensions: The installation is 321 feet long, with a total of nineteen 90 inch in diameter windows. Year: 2023 Title: The Aquarius Art Tunnel Medium: This is an interdisciplinary immersive tunnel art installation. It consists of lenticulars, lighting, painting, original sound design, underwater photography, fine art mural-making techniques, custom carpeting, augmented reality and more. Located in George Bush Intercontinental Airport between two International Terminals, Terminal D & E and is part of the Airports permanent art collection. Dimensions: The Aquarius Art Tunnel is 240 foot long by 9 feet tall and 25 feet wide located Year: 2022/2023 Title: The Aquarius Art Tunnel Medium: This is an interdisciplinary immersive tunnel art installation. It consists of lenticulars, lighting, painting, original sound design, underwater photography, fine art mural-making techniques, custom carpeting, augmented reality and more. Located in George Bush Intercontinental Airport between two International Terminals, Terminal D & E and is part of the Airports permanent art collection. Dimensions: The Aquarius Art Tunnel is 240 foot long by 9 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Year: 2022/2023