ST. CROIX — Debra “DJ” Kissinger’s passion for deep-sea exploration began shortly after she moved to St. Croix just four years ago.
But in that short time, she has made remarkable progress not only in her diving qualifications, but also in the way she captures the world beneath the waves through photography.
“I used to snorkel a lot, and it was sad to see corals dying because of climate change,” Kissinger told the Daily News, adding that after three years of snorkeling, she was inspired by her husband’s simple suggestion. He added that he recently switched from snorkeling to scuba diving.
“If we go deeper, we might find coral that is still alive,” she recalled him saying.
Her husband, John Oakes, eventually convinced her to try the Discover Dive program, which is designed for beginners. The dive was “a really peaceful and beautiful experience and a privilege,” she said.
Kissinger ultimately obtained scuba training and certification through Sweet Bottom Dive Shop in Cane Bay and decided to purchase his own equipment rather than rent it.
Kissinger received a basic open water certification that allows him to dive to depths of 60 feet with friends, including Mark Walters, a Virgin Islander and former coordinator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He said he went scuba diving regularly. U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean Regional Office.
She started capturing the beauty of the underwater world with a GoPro camera, but Oakes encouraged her to buy a better camera to improve capturing underwater photos. He eventually decides to join her on a scuba diving adventure.
Ironically, Oakes didn’t even know how to swim when the couple moved to St. Croix from Minnesota about four years ago, Kissinger said. But he persisted and recently earned his own basic open water certification, primarily diving in pools and snorkeling in the ocean.
“If he can do it, anyone can do it,” said Kissinger, a Philadelphia native and former Episcopal priest, proudly.
Kissinger, 63, recently earned his advanced open water certification, allowing him to dive up to 100 feet. One of her favorite spots is Cane Bay, where the coral reef along the north side of the island plunges into a deep ocean trench called “The Wall.”
“You can go deeper than the wall,” said Kissinger, who is one week away from becoming a certified rescue diver.
She said the vastness of the ocean is still a mystery and she tries to share the hidden wonders of the ocean through photography. She also wants to inspire others to care for the Earth and its fragile ecosystems, especially in light of climate change.
In addition to scuba diving, Kissinger is a mixed media artist and owner of Caribbean Kiss Art.
She collects discarded items, sometimes from the sea, sometimes from the streets, and transforms them into beautiful pieces.
Kissinger said it’s important that everything he makes is made from materials that were once considered trash.
“It makes me sad to see trash, so I pick up bottles and turn them into works of art,” she says, adding, “I draw pictures and design works of art using waste materials such as straws, toilet paper rolls, and napkins. “I’m doing a lot of things,” he added. Can be thrown away without using a paintbrush. ”
Her various art pieces, such as her citronella bottles, are made from recycled glass, which she paints and decorates. Her work can be viewed and purchased at Cheney Chicks on Company Street, near Eden South and Christiansted promenade.
Kissinger’s passions for scuba diving and art often intersected.
Through underwater photography, she has captured the immense beauty of the deep sea, from coral reefs to a variety of marine life, including her favorite fish, the porcupine fish.
“They always seem to be smiling,” Kissinger said of the pufferfish, adding that he has also encountered sea turtles, which he finds awe-inspiring.
“Looking into the eyes of a sea turtle is like looking into the eyes of God,” she said of the seven species of sea turtles. The Virgin Islands is home to three species of sea turtles: green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles. The latter weighs as much as 1,500 pounds.
Despite the mysteries and potential horrors of the unknown deep sea, Kissinger reassures us from his own experience that “most underwater creatures are not interested in humans unless they are threatened.”
She shared stories of encounters with sharks, octopuses, and eagle rays, emphasizing that diving can be a peaceful experience if you show proper respect for the creatures.
Today, Kissinger finds peace and inspiration in both the sea and art.
A breast cancer survivor and “corona retiree,” she is dedicated to giving back to her community. She serves on the boards of the VI Breast Cancer Project and the St. Croix Artists Guild, where she serves as vice president.
Kissinger’s underwater photos made the front page of the Daily News and have been widely shared online. Her photographs will soon be exhibited at the annual Caribbean Art Show hosted by the St. Croix Artists Guild at the Museum of the Caribbean Arts Center.
Kissinger described his new home as a “beautiful island” and said the appeal of scuba diving could make it a prime target for tourism to the Virgin Islands.
“It’s not suitable for everyone. People with a history of claustrophobia or asthma may have a hard time scuba diving,” she warns, but proper instruction can help you overcome your biggest fears. I believe it will help you overcome even
On the other hand, she always found a way to share her love for the ocean.
“Through photography, I try to convey that beauty to others,” she said.
