Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Moore.
Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Even though I was born and raised in Utah, I knew my whole life I wanted to be a Marine Biologist and scuba diver. In Jr high and high school, I painted murals on my bedroom walls of coral reefs, fish, and sharks (they are still in my parents’ house). Since then, I have received my master’s degree in marine ecology, and have been very lucky to live and dive all over the world – Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Cambodia, Hawai’i, and Florida.
My time spent in the ocean makes me want to share that with everyone! Everyone should have the opportunity to see a sea turtle sleeping under the coral, an octopus change colors right before their eyes, or swim through a school of hundreds of triggerfish – which is why I started my dive business: Utah Dive Club.
Being a professional dive instructor and getting to be around wonderful ocean creatures and people all day gives me an unending source of inspiration for my art. I never imagined having a career as an artist, but diving and art go so well together. After seeing something beautiful underwater, I have to go home and paint it too. I think seeing the creatures underwater firsthand give my paintings life. All of my portraits are also inspired by the incredible humans I have met around the world, and the energy and vibe I have felt from them. Everyone should have a portrait of themselves that speaks to their soul, not just their physical appearance.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wanted to be a diver so bad, that while living in Australia I would walk 5 miles at 4 am to get to the dive shop on time, and slept in my instructor’s garage on weekends. I have spent days hauling scuba tanks until my shoulders felt like they would pop off – and cleaned enough wetsuits other people have peed in to last a lifetime.
As a dive instructor, you are teaching a curriculum invented by someone else, but as an artist, it’s all you. It’s very soul-baring and such a part of me that struggled for 5 years about whether or not to show anyone my artwork. I still get nervous about new paintings, but I share them anyhow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I teach private, custom scuba dive lessons, of all levels! Before starting my own business, I was always given the students who had water trauma – maybe they had drowned as a child, or had a fear of drowning, or weren’t strong swimmers, or working on overcoming a fear. I have never not had a student pass – and last year I certified 172 people! I know how to make great divers. Most of my students return to me for further certifications.
I sadly have seen so many divers who were certified in lakes, or craters and they go to jump in the ocean for the first time, and freak out! They were not prepared properly for the ocean – how to swim in current, manage waves, navigate underwater, etc. Your dive certifications are valid for life, so I want to make sure you are prepared and comfortable with diving in any condition!
I teach private lessons (individual or group) so I can accommodate your personal learning style and comfortability. I can focus on what you need to work on, without you worrying about holding the class back.
While I can complete your certification dives here in Utah, I offer my students the option to finish their dives in Miami, or O’ahu, Hawai’i! I know all the best dive sites in these areas, and the best dive boats, etc. That way your first dives in the ocean are with an instructor – and I can help you work through any nerves, and build your ocean skills firsthand. Plus, you can ask me any questions about the marine life we see!
I also offer discover scuba dive experiences. It’s a great way to try out diving in the pool with no pressure, just fun! It makes for a great birthday party, date night, or even a company event.
As an artist, I love painting the incredible marine life I see underwater. I even create mermaids based on real-life creatures (think seahorses and whales).
My portraits are what I call “Soul Portraits”. They are inspired by the energy and vibes I feel from people. I want everyone to feel represented in art; so no matter who you are, or where you are at in life, you can look at this piece and say “this is me”. Whether you connect with a portrait I’ve already painted, or you want to book a commission (no prints are ever made fr commissions), this is the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself. Because at the end of the day, we all just want to be seen.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
For diving: trust your instincts, but always follow the rules! They may just save your life.
For my art: never hate the idea – try and paint it all. Not everything has to profitable, or even good.
Pricing:
- Open Water Scuba Course starts at $800
- Discover Scuba Diving $199
Contact Info:
- Website: www.utahdiveclub.com www.etsy.com/shop/ofwondersandtides
- Instagram: @utahdiveclub | @of.wonders.and.tides
