a conscious magazine for the open-minded

Introducing Claire Jones...

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She’s a Midlands girl that moved to the seaside, an explorer, dog-lover and artist that, just over a year ago, created her small business, ‘Hallsands Hidden Treasures’.

 

She uses raw materials salvaged from local beaches to create her artwork, which documents the overwhelming use of plastic and the impact it has had on our very own doorsteps. Through Instagram, Claire has showcased her work, focusing on helping to keep our beaches clean.

 

“We had a few bad storms here which turned, what is usually a lovely clean beach in to a complete mess, so I started collecting the litter.” 

 

“I’m down on the beach every day walking our three dogs, some days are worse than others for debris that have been washed up. Whether it’s a pocket full or a bin liner full, I’m always coming back with something.”

 

“I thought if I could create artwork and get rid of marine debris at the same time it would be a great idea so this is where my recycled collection came from.” 

 

Claire feels her work plays an important role in helping people realise that plastic pollution is a problem and helps to get the message across. 

 

“I think the problem is only going to get worse if we don't act now and spread the message. I think there is still a long way to go but if we keep spreading the message and making small changes, there could be, so much improvement.” 

 

Driftwood, Sea Glass, Pebbles, Shells, Slate and more than often enough, plastic are just some mediums Claire utilises to create her work. She is extremely passionate about trying to spread awareness, against plastic pollution within her artwork, by finding a new purpose for the marine debris she collects.

 

Since Claire moved to South Devon to live by the coast, she has become much more aware about plastic pollution.

 

“It was a real eye opener for me and I’m pleased to be able to say that I’m doing something about it.” 

 

Claire is enthusiastic about keeping where she live’s, as clean as possible, often trying to leave it nicer than before. She believes that every little piece of plastic that’s taken away will help and make a difference in the long run. 

 

Claire’s ultimate hope is to fulfil her goal of sharing a percentage of her profit's with a related organisation, “I can’t wait for that to be up and running.” A caring initiative to help give back.

 

Claire feels as if there is a “hidden” message in her work. “It usually takes people a while to actually realise” what materials her work is made from. With the re-use of washed up plastics mixed with Claire’s artistic touch of decoration and bright colours, people tend to be both “shocked” yet “complimentary” towards her work and the meaning behind it.

 

Turning, what is considered to be a pile of rubbish on a beach to some people, is Claire’s happy place. Transforming a pile of rubbish into a piece of art that someone would proudly display in their home, the next day, is something that Claire, “could have never imagined, would happen.” Most days she has locals and neighbours stopping by, after taking part in a beach clean event to drop off their litter, so she can recycle it into a masterpiece. “It’s made me really pleased to get others on board, so the message seems to be working.”

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Keep up to date with her work on Instagram: @hallsandshiddentreasures