RAISING . OCEAN . AWARENESS
A Creative Collaboration: Transforming Waste into Art with Willow Bay
Looking back on one of my favorite projects, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. My collaboration with Willow Bay, a truly special Australian brand, was a journey that I’ll always cherish. Founded by two incredible women with a strong commitment to sustainability and creativity, working with them was an experience that aligned perfectly with my values.
The story of how this collaboration came to be is one that I am honoured to be apart of. After receiving a batch of white bags from their supplier that didn’t quite meet their standards, Willow Bay made the decision not to throw them away, but to breathe new life into them. They passed the bags on to Australian artists like myself, giving us the opportunity to transform them into something extraordinary. The result? A one-of-a-kind collection of wearable art pieces, each telling a unique story.
When Willow Bay reached out to me, I was beyond thrilled. Their ethical approach to business was something I truly resonated with, and I knew this would be a project that felt meaningful on so many levels. As we started brainstorming ideas, the ocean was the first thing that came to mind. I’ve always had a deep connection to the sea, and the issue of ocean dumping, an environmental crisis that threatens marine life, is something that’s always weighed heavily on my heart.
With this in mind, I set out to create a collection that would not only reflect the beauty of the ocean but also serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting it. Each bag in the collection was designed with vibrant sea creatures, capturing the colors and energy of ocean life. The designs became a celebration of the ocean’s beauty, but also a call to action to be more mindful of how we treat our planet.
Looking back, I’m still in awe of the response. The first release sold out in under 10 minutes, which was a moment I will never forget. Seeing how Willow Bay and I had worked together to create something so meaningful was an incredibly proud moment for me. It was a perfect blend of art, purpose, and love for our planet.