Artist Statement
Our coral reefs, the rainforest of the ocean, are vanishing at an alarming rate and in
grave danger of extinction. Large areas once covered with vast piles of delicate
branching stag-horn corals are now piles of eroding rubble, absent are the multitude of
fishes and invertebrates that once dwelled in the crevices of the reefs. However, we
seem to continue about our daily routines, unaware of the wondrous treasure that is
vanishing. Our lack of connection to the ocean world has led to a sense of apathy
regarding its decline, but through art, I aim to create a connection that will enact a
positive change. Working in clay I explore the intricacies of these diverse underwater
ecosystems; molding and sculpting each coral type in a way that brings this underwater
world to the surface. Celebrating their beauty while highlighting the threats they face.

Biography
Born and based in Kingston Jamaica, Anna-K Cuffe is a ceramic artist, a reef rescue
diver and an ocean activist. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2017 at the Edna
Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, receiving the Cecil Baugh Award for
Excellence in Ceramics. Initially, her sculptures often took a formalistic approach to art;
focusing exclusively on the form of the pieces rather than the content. However, she
soon ventured away from solely creating art for art’s sake and aimed instead to
contribute to the conversation about our dying coral reefs.