We first came across Marina DeBris' artistic practice while walking the Bondi to Coogee coastal track in Sydney in 2020. Piles of collected ocean waste and microplastics would pop up along the otherwise pristine path, leaving passers-by (including us!) wondering how they’d got there. It wasn’t until much later that we learnt more about Marina and that, in fact, she had collected this trash from the beaches nearby and placed it in plain view to confront the reality of ocean pollution and stir up a sense of activism in passers-by. Known as a ‘rubbish artist’, Marina uses the debris she collects from our shores to highlight the growing crisis of marine pollution. Her work is raw, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.

Marina’s journey as an artist has taken her from Bondi to Venice Beach and back again, now based in Lake Macquarie, she continues to turn discarded plastics into powerful environmental statements through her multi-disciplinary practice. We were excited to have the chance to collaborate with Marina as part of our ‘Mark of a Milestone’ project to celebrate our new brand symbol. In true Marina fashion, the artist created a piece for us made entirely from waste collected on Sydney’s beaches, echoing the values of our philanthropic Xanthe Project dedicated to ocean conservation. 

Gordon's Bay, Sydney

It felt fitting to photograph Marina for this story at Gordon’s Bay, a beautiful stretch of sand and rocks that, quite sadly, has contributed much of the rubbish in her works over the years. During the shoot, a curious coastal walker named Lilly stopped to speak to Marina at length about her environmental work, and left determined to contribute to the cause. It’s illuminating conversations like these that underscore the importance of Marina’s art and provide an optimistic outlook for a problem that can, at times, seem overwhelming. 

In this interview, we speak to Marina about the story behind her work, her creative process, and the important role artists play in raising awareness around environmental issues.

Marina, your work is deeply rooted in environmental activism. What first inspired you to turn ocean debris into art? 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the ocean and art. When I moved from Bondi Beach to Venice, CA, I noticed how much rubbish was washing up on the beach. I started picking it up and became involved with local organisations like Heal the Bay and 5 Gyres. When I learned about the devastating effects on marine life, I knew I had to get involved in the issue. Having trained as a graphic designer, I was aware of the importance of delivering a message through visual means. I also missed working with my hands (or in this case, getting my hands dirty!). 

“When I learned about the devastating effects on marine life, I knew I had to get involved in the issue.”

The name "Marina DeBris" is a clever play on words. How did you come up with this persona, and what does it represent to you? 

I just had an inkling that I wanted to invent an alter ego when I began this work. Originally, it was ‘Deb Ris’, then it morphed into “Marina Deb Ris,” but both were often misunderstood, so I changed it to “Marina DeBris.” That one stuck, and so did the persona! 

'Sea Serpent, made from micro-plastics found on Sydney beaches

Marina collecting debris

Your ‘trashion’ (fashion) shows have gained significant attention. How do you select the materials for these pieces, and what message do you hope to convey through them? 

The pieces reflect the materials I collect most often. In general, I do not wash or alter anything. I want it to appear as raw and ugly as the issue is. The message is simple: stop the waste! 

“I do not wash or alter anything. I want it to appear as raw and ugly as the issue is. The message is simple: stop the waste!”

Much of your work focuses on marine pollution. How do you balance the artistic elements of your work with its environmental message? 

Simply by instinct. There must be interest in the piece as a work of art first. The pieces I consider successful are both artistically alluring and able to deliver a clear message. 

Micro-plastics collected in Gordon's Bay

Can you tell us a little bit about the piece you created in response to our new symbol and artistic brief? 

I mirrored the new symbol using exclusively found materials including ‘hard rubbish’ collected off the streets like the frame, pins and cleaning materials. The core of the piece incorporates microplastics that I collected from various local Sydney beaches. Larger pieces of plastic break up into microplastics and are prevalent on most beaches. In the ocean, these plastics absorb even more toxins and are ingested by marine animals. Microplastics and nanoplastics are in our water, food, and even air!

A thought-provoking piece made with plastic waste

Marina photographed at Gordon's Bay

“I mirrored the new symbol using exclusively found materials including ‘hard rubbish’ collected off the streets…the core of the piece incorporates microplastics that I collected from various local beaches.”

What role do you think artists should play in raising awareness about environmental issues?

The arts are important for raising awareness about environmental issues. Data is hard to imagine, so artists have a unique opportunity to display these messages in emotive ways, so people can relate to the severity of these issues. 

Much of your art is inherently ephemeral, given the nature of the materials you use. How do you view the impermanence of your work? 

It’s difficult to work with these materials because they break up over time…however, they never go away. I do a lot of repair work, but I also collect materials on a daily basis, so sadly, I have a lot to work with. As a viewer said of one of my pieces: “This is like art that shouldn’t even exist!” 

Details of 'Sea Serpent'

“The ocean plays a crucial role in my life. I visit her every day.”

Lastly, where do you enjoy swimming and spending time along our beautiful coastline? Do you have a go-to beach? 

The ocean plays a crucial role in my life. I visit her every day. In the warmer months, I jump in after my run and attempt to body surf. I have lived on the coast since 1989 and find it difficult to stay away from the ocean for a long period of time. Up until last year, it was the eastern suburbs beaches of Sydney, but since moving to Lake Macquarie, I enjoy Redhead & Blacksmith’s beaches. I frequent the beaches I live closest to.