In a society obsessed with shiny newness, there are those who are instead drawn to crusty found objects reclaimed from the dark underbelly of our throw-away culture. Sometimes these things just need a little dusting off or rearranging, and Mark Cunningham, Jonathan Steinberg, and Ethan Estess are the folks for the job.
Unfortunately, global plastic production and pollution continue to accelerate while recycling rates remain dismally low. Plastic is marketed as a cheap material when in reality it causes major damage to ocean ecosystems and huge sums are spent trying to clean it up.
The thing that unites Mark, Steiny, Maureen, and Ethan, is the awareness that wether it be fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood or pulsing Aleutian groundswell, the ocean is replete with gifts, and those who receive those gifts are stuck with the responsibility of keeping it healthy for future generations to enjoy.
Artwork’s superpower is its ability to continually reinvent itself- to tell stories in new ways that break through the “message fatigue” that the environmental movement is currently being overcome by. It does this in a way that’s actually fun and brings people of all backgrounds into the conversation without calling them out.
The act of reclaiming ocean trash and unwanted objects is a simple and cathartic way to revitalize one’s spirit and commitment to being a responsible citizen. As Jonathan Steinberg (Founder of the Peace and Love Club) likes to say, “I’m just trying to keep my side of the street clean.” Can you imagine if everybody did that? What a world it would be?!