What happens when scientific knowledge meets artistic vision? In this intimate conversation, Santa Cruz-based artist Ethan Estess reveals the fascinating journey that led him from marine biology to creating influential environmental art using reclaimed fishing rope.

From his West Side studio, Ethan shares how a pivotal moment of burnout at the age of 24 pushed him to pursue his creative passion full-time. The breakthrough came after a trip to Japan in 2017, when he began experimenting with discarded fishing materials to create Japanese wave patterns – pieces that immediately resonated with viewers and paved the way for artistic sustainability.

There's remarkable depth in Ethan's approach to environmental advocacy. Rather than relying on simplistic messaging, he embraces the nuance of sustainable seafood production, explaining how his interactions with local fishermen have revealed the complexity behind the fishing industry. "California's fisheries are the most regulated and also the most sustainable in the world," he notes, contrasting this with the unregulated foreign operations whose abandoned gear washes up on Hawaiian beaches, material he now incorporates into his work.

Fatherhood has profoundly shifted Ethan's perspective, heightening both his appreciation for Monterey Bay's natural beauty and his concern for future generations. Walking West Cliff with his young children has reconnected him to the everyday wonder of local wildlife, while simultaneously intensifying his awareness of environmental urgency. As he puts it, these moments force presence and balance in an otherwise hectic creative life.

The conversation highlights remarkable success stories, such as the recovery of the bluefin tuna population and Monterey Bay's transformation from an industrial wasteland to a thriving marine sanctuary. These examples fuel Ethan's practical optimism – a conviction that, while environmental challenges are immense, thoughtful, community-based solutions can create meaningful change.

Visit Ethan's studio on Santa Cruz's West Side, follow his work on Instagram @EstesArtAndScience, or check out his installations at Outer Known stores to experience how discarded materials can tell powerful stories about our relationship with the ocean.