Capturing a Legacy on Canvas: OCEAN Secretary-General Arne Mielken in Conversation with Artist Selina Javaid

London painter Selina Javaid on translating global trade, human sacrifice, and maritime history into a vibrant commemorative artwork.

Discover how London-based painter Selina Javaid transformed rich maritime history, complex global supply chains, and the human spirit of sacrifice into a vibrant commemorative artwork for OCEAN's 50th anniversary, utilizing dynamic layers of acrylic, ink, and vivid textures.

An Interview with Artist Selina Javaid, conducted by OCEAN Secretary-General Arne Mielken

Arne Mielken: Can you please describe yourself and your work?

Selina Javaid: My name is Selina Javaid and I am a painter from London. I adore colour, pattern and texture and use these elements to enrich my perspective of any given subject matter. I predominantly work from photos but have a very sensory approach. I also teach art and photography and am a mother to 2 little ones.

Arne Mielken: Can you walk us through your painting and process for this commission?

Selina Javaid: I was given an exciting opportunity to create this 50th anniversary commission after being approached by you, Arne, after you saw my work in an exhibition in London and invited me to apply. After a successful application, I held interviews with many different people to achieve an insight into the ship supply industry and Ocean as a legacy. I learned so much in these talks and enjoyed each one of those conversations. Thank you to Sean Moloney, Secretary of ISSA, Jesus Barbar, Sales Manager from Baysport, and Peter Alton, Category Manager from Cavendish Ships Stores. Of course, thanks to you and Constantino Zavoianni for your trust and interest in my work and for appreciating the value of art and how it can commemorate this important anniversary.

When I first started planning, I wanted to tell a clear, relatable story using a collection of real-life moments rather than a confusing, abstract design.

My conversations with industry experts opened my eyes to the true dedication and sacrifices required in this field. I gathered many reference photos of ship suppliers and vessels in action, starting with chalk sketches before layering on acrylic and ink. Painting is always a back-and-forth process, and everything clicks when all the pieces finally work together.

Arne Mielken: Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect?

I am deeply proud of this work, and when I finally unveil it to you all in Brussels, you will see a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to the human heartbeat behind ship supply trade—a celebration of unwavering dedication, cross-border connection, and the quiet resilience that keeps the world moving forward every single day.

I wanted to show that behind every ship supply  is a vast, interconnected network of people whose sacrifices often go unseen by the broader public.

This piece brings those hidden stories into the light, transforming the complex logistics of international ship supply trade into a deeply personal, living tapestry.

Through layers of color, texture, and carefully chosen symbolism, I wanted to capture not just the physical movement of goods across oceans, but the pride, heart, and indomitable spirit of the individuals who make it all possible.

When you stand before the canvas, you will witness how art can bridge the gap between heavy industry and human emotion.

It is my way of honoring five decades of legacy, strength, and forward momentum—and I cannot wait to share that visual journey with the leaders and visionaries who have dedicated their lives to this vital maritime community.

Arne Mielken: What is the most challenging part of your process?

Selina Javaid: Knowing when a piece is finished is the hardest hurdle. It is easy to overwork a painting.

Stepping back and accepting the flaws as part of the story is something I have had to learn over time. For example, I planned to incorporate an interwoven rope as a symbol of connectedness, strength and continuity, but when drawing straight onto the painting, I found it too literal and unnecessary, realizing the other elements contained enough of the story already.

As I begin layering materials—building textures, or wiping things away—the piece starts to dictate its own direction. Mistakes and unexpected drips often become the most interesting parts of the final artwork, and sometimes leaving more to the imagination makes the painting worth returning to.

Arne Mielken: The painting is going to be featured and auctioned off in a silent auction at the upcoming OCEAN 50th anniversary conference and reception in Brussels, envisioning a grand, bustling room filled with international maritime leaders mingling against a backdrop of historic European celebration. What do you think about that setting, and how do you feel about all the proceeds going to the maritime charity The Seafarers' Charity?

Selina Javaid: It is an incredible honour to imagine the artwork entering that vibrant space in Brussels, surrounded by leaders who have dedicated their lives to this industry.

To picture international delegates networking, celebrating five decades of OCEAN, and engaging with the visual storytelling of the piece is deeply rewarding.

Knowing that the silent auction will directly benefit The Seafarers' Charity makes the entire project complete. Ship supply is ultimately about supporting those who work tirelessly at sea, so to have art translate into tangible support for seafarers ties the whole mission together full circle.

Arne Mielken: What do you hope viewers take away from your work?

Selina Javaid: I want them to feel a connection and find their own entry point into the piece. The value is in the human experience behind the layers. The style is a montage of representative elements that reveal the staples and complexities of the shipping supply industry. The saturated and abstract elements represent how vivid and vital the key work is, whilst the suggestions of gold convey the legacy and magnitude of the operation. I want them to see the promise of the future and the legacy of the past, whilst Ocean remains stable, strong, and successful here in the present.