Washed Ashore was born out of a deep concern for marine environments overwhelmed by plastic waste. Over twelve years, I worked with a dedicated staff and thousands of volunteers to create monumental sculptures from ocean trash, capturing public attention and sparking conversations about sustainability. This work not only educated audiences, but also gave me proof that powerful art can truly inspire change in environmental attitudes as well as get laws passed.. The experience taught me that art can be a powerful catalyst for change, turning discarded materials into messages of hope and connecting to the hearts an dminds of millions of poeple worldwide. I retired from Washed Ashore in November of 2021 to begin a new journey and help make the world a better place in new ways.
I have always been materials driven. Seeing the materials inspire what I do and how I do it.I spread out my materials and have it all in my head. With Washed Ashore I specialized in designing the sculptures and especially the heads while the volunteers worked on piecework for the bodies. Much of my staff helped with all of the sculptures and put the pieces of the design together to create these massive sculptures.
We procesessed about 40 tons of garbage into over 85 sculptures in the 11 years I was there. It continues today with a saltelite project in Galviston, Texas and multiple artists working on new sculptures all the time. Volunteers continue to clean up beaches and bring in the marine debris to help make the sculptures. Traveling exhibits continue to tour around the country and do the important work of educating about the dangers of plastic pollution in our oceans.
