ARTIST AND CONSERVATIONIST
JOELIE RUSSEL - 24 YEARS OLD.
Joelie HAS dedicated A LOT OF HER TIME COLLECTING MARINE DEBRIS, witnessING HOW THIS PHENOMENA IS DESTROYING SO MANY ANIMAL LIVES AND SOMETIMES ENTIRE ECOSYSTEMS.
Joelie wears the hats of both an artist and a conservationist. But her journey began long before, at 17, when she took a bold step and joined Sea Shepherd, a group renowned for its direct action in protecting our oceans. She wasn't content with just being a spectator; she wanted to be a guardian of our planet, actively tending to its wounds.
From humble beginnings of local beach cleanups, her path led to the most desolate corners of Australia. Picture Djulpan, North East Arnhem Land: a convergence of desert and ocean, where she camped within crocs and buffalos, faced with the daunting task of collecting over a tonne of plastic per kilometer. And then there was Janes Bay, Ningaloo coast, where she encountered turtles ensnared in plastic, unable to break free.
At the age of 19, Joelie found herself in the paradise of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Here, along with the idyllic scenery of white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life, she was confronted with a harsh reality – the rainbow of pollution marring the horizon.
For years, she waged a war against this tide of destruction, witnessing the tragic demise of countless sea creatures ensnared in nets and suffocated by our waste.
Each piece of debris felt like a stab to the heart, a testament to our society's callous disregard for the planet. But beyond the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. What started as a few baskets crafted with her dear friend Pen evolved into a profound passion. Instead of merely scavenging the beaches, Joelie began to see them as treasure troves of raw material, reclaiming discarded fishing nets and weaving them into vibrant works of art.
THE STUDIO
In 2023, Joelie was struck by a vision that ignited her soul. She yearned to create her own mobile art studio, a haven on wheels where she could channel her passion into purpose. With unwavering determination, she toiled tirelessly for an entire year, pouring her heart and soul into its construction. With the unwavering support of her community, Joelie's dream became a reality. This humble abode on wheels emerged as her sanctuary, a sacred space where she retreats after each beach rope collection expedition.
Here, within the comforting embrace of her studio, she meticulously untangles the ropes, sorting them by color with a sense of purpose and determination. This is where Joelie performs her alchemy, transforming pollution into vibrant works of art that speak volumes about our planet's plight and humanity's capacity for redemption.
A MESSAGE FROM JOELIE
"As I stand at the crossroads of art and activism, I can't help but wonder: How do we, as a collective, wish to move forward? It's a question that demands introspection and action, for the fate of our planet hangs in the balance."
Testimonial
“The moment we accessed Jane’s website, we were instantly drawn to her work. Jane is like sunshine; she comes into your life and brings so much light, joy, and energy.“
Andy Ferguson
Filmmaker
