All Nauti Lass artworks are made using ethical products.
As an artist using seashells from around the world, I
am very concerned about potential environmental damage and have always been
very aware of the poverty in some of the countries I purchase shells from. When
I started creating my works, I made a conscious decision to ensure that my
suppliers are not only of the highest quality but ethical and put back into the
local communities where my goods are made.
One of the most common questions I am asked at The
Nauti Lass is
"Where do you get your
shells?"
Living
close to the beach on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland,
I am fortunate enough to be able beachcomb on a variety of beaches within an
easy drive from home.
I have been issued with a collecting permit by the Queensland Department Of
Primary Industries and Fisheries with strict limits on the species,
size, and numbers of the shells I am able to collect.
I only ever pick up dead shells from the high tide line and will NEVER dive for
shells or take live shells from rocks or out of their environment.
If I decide not to use a shell or break one during the creation of one of my
artworks, that shell will be returned to the beach and recycled back into the
environment.
To maintain the rich variety of shells that is used in my artwork, I also buy
shells from a variety of ethical shell suppliers around Australia and around the world.
All
of the seahorses in my artwork are bred at a seahorse farm, where
they are cultivated for the aquarium trade.
Since they are a creature that have quite a high mortality rate as they grow, some
are then dried and sent to me.
Many other shells and starfish are today cultivated in countries such as the Philippines.
The
Hysan Foundation, a charity organisation has set up a variety of seashell farms
to give disadvantaged people in the Philippines the opportunity to have
an income.
It has
also implemented a plan to build hospitals, schools, low cost housing and sanitation
facilities. 16 schools have been established with over 1000 children having the
opportunity to attend.
This
program not only gives us the chance to help in a small way but to use a
product is environmentally sustainable and ensures that seashells will be on
the beaches for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.
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