Jacelyn Rene is a Gyotaku and watercolor artist based in St. Petersburg, Florida, whose work is deeply rooted in a lifelong connection to the sea. Raised along Florida’s Gulf Coast and later immersed in island life during a decade in the Florida Keys, the ocean has always been more than a backdrop, it has been a way of life. Days spent freediving, spearfishing, and exploring beneath the surface cultivated a profound respect for marine life that continues to shape every piece she creates.

After relocating to San Diego, Jacelyn rediscovered art through watercolor, drawn to its fluidity, spontaneity, and refusal to be controlled. Like the ocean itself, the medium demands both intention and surrender. It was through this journey that she found her way to Gyotaku, the centuries-old Japanese art of fish printing, where her passion for the marine world and artistic practice came together in perfect harmony.

Each live Gyotaku impression honors the individuality of the fish, preserving its intricate textures and natural beauty in a single, unrepeatable print. Jacelyn then enhances select pieces with watercolor, blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary artistic voice. Whether created during an intimate bluefin tuna carving, an omakase dinner, or another culinary experience, her work transforms a fleeting moment into a lasting work of art.

Her paintings celebrate the delicate beauty, resilience, and grace of marine life, serving as an invitation to look closer, feel more, and appreciate what so often goes unseen. Through both Gyotaku and watercolor, Jacelyn hopes to deepen our connection to the ocean while honoring the traditions, craftsmanship, and shared experiences that bring people together. Ultimately, her work is a reminder to pursue what sets our souls on fire - fearlessly, intentionally, and without apology.