Please enjoy my conversation with Michelle Vania Beattie. 

Michelle is an intuitive artist known for her striking sculptures made from beach-found plastic, inspired by a lifelong connection to the ocean. Growing up in Plettenberg Bay, she collected what she called “mermaids tears”—a childhood fascination that returned years later in Kommetjie, where she discovered these were actually nurdles, raw plastic pellets. This revelation ignited her commitment to addressing ocean plastic pollution. 

Since 2020, Michelle has transformed the plastic debris she collects during beach cleanups into conceptual sculptures that raise awareness about environmental damage and consumer impact. Her work gives a voice to the ocean and calls for urgent change.

https://www.instagram.com/mishvania_art/?hl=en

https://www.manzart.com/collections/mishvania?srsltid=AfmBOoqzpU1CwX7EUrJXYeZ28X8tPcfZh2bGGc34HBKGWlG9YGZW14wr 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurdle_(bead)

https://www.inkbox.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Relevant-Art-Gallery-61573709015808/

https://woordfees.co.za/en/ 

https://openstudioskommetjie.com/ 

This podcast was created by Natalya Khorover. It was produced and recorded by Natalya, as well as researched and edited by her. SALVAGE is a product of ECOLOOP.ART.

If you enjoy this show, please rate and review us wherever you’re listening—and be sure to come back for another conversation with a repurposed media artist.

Music theme by RC Guida

Visit Natalya’s website at www.artbynatalya.com

Visit Natalya’s community at www.repurposercollective.com

Visit Natalya’s workshops at https://www.ecoloop.art/