Every year, I participate in a global creative challenge called the 100 Days Project, an open invitation to pick a creative focus and commit to it for 100 days. In past years, I completed one ocean-themed painting every single day, using the structure of the challenge to push myself creatively and grow as an artist.
But this year, I know things would be different. With some prior commitments on my plate, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to dedicate the time needed to paint daily. Still, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to part of this inspiring, worldwide creative movement. So I decided to shift the focus of my project.
Instead of 100 paintings, I’m doing 100 Days of Coral Reefs: a commitment to take 100 small, meaningful actions that support ocean conservation. Some of those actions are still creative (yes, I’m still painting, and those works will be donated to raise awareness and, hopefully, funds for reef protection). But, I’m also expanding my efforts in other directions:
- Deepening my knowledge of coral ecosystems and reef science;
- Making personal changes to reduce my carbon footprint, including moving toward a mostly vegan diet;
- Switching to reef-safe sunscreen and personal care products;
- Supporting ocean conservation organizations through donations;
- Volunteering my time with ‘Citizen Scientist’ research projects;
- And most importantly, finding new ways to communicate why coral reefs matter, especially to people who may never see one in person.
Part of the 100 Days Project tradition is documenting your progress. In previous years. I shared my work on Instagram, but I’ve grown frustrated with the increasing ads and fickle algorithms that make meaningful connection harder and harder.
That’s why I’ve created this website: a space where I can share my journey more authentically, without digital noise. Here, I’ll post updates on what I’m learning, what I’m painting, and how each action, small as it may seem, is part of a larger story: a personal mission to protect and celebrate one of the planet’s most beautiful and endangered ecosystems.
If you love the ocean, if you’re curious about coral reefs, or if you just want to follow along as art and activism collide, I invite you to stick around. Let’s explore what we can do together in 100 days.