What inspires the Erub artists from Erub Arts to turn ghost nets from ocean pollution into beautiful works of art? Here's what they have to say...
'It all comes back to the sea. We are all connected by the world's oceans. Making art is really making meaning: my art helps me understand and make sense of the world.' - Florence Gutchen
Image: Erub Arts, Erub
'At Erub Arts I have learnt many new things, gaining new skills and learning new weaving techniques.' - Nancy Kiwat
Image: Erub Arts, Erub. Coral by Marion Gaemers, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection 00055310 - 00055311
'I enjoy making all kinds of different things from ghost nets. The colours, visible once you unravel the net, make my works bright and happy.' - Lavinia Ketchell
'I want to do things that represent me, my family, and my surroundings from beforetime to modern times.' - Nancy Naawi
Coral by Marion Gaemers, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection 00055310 - 00055311
'I am interested in expressing my relationship with the sea, and am currently exploring the links between people's surroundings, objects, and Erub culture. Sea creatures are an important part of my heritage' - Ellarose Savage
Image: Erub Arts, Erub.
'Seu mullets are bigger than normal sized mullet on Erub. These mullets can only be caught at Seu, which is a sand cay situated off Erub. These mullet were hunted by our forefathers during times when they only had canoes and sails right up until our current generation with outboard motors.' - Erub artist
'I started making art seriously in 2002, and was a founding member of Erub Arts. I want to continue to make art that relates to my heritage and promotes our unique island way.' - Racy Oui-Pitt
Blue Striped Snapper. Artist: Lynnette Griffiths. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection 00055289
'My artwork gives me the opportunity to express the things that are important to me, my identity, and my culture.' - Jimmy J Thaiday
Emeret Nar - Double outrigger canoe. Erub Arts. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection 00055188 - 00055205
'The Canoe glides silently through the water navigated by the stars and the seasonal winds and tides. With its translucent ghost net it invites a discussion around culture in times of change; all life is fragile and changing, preserving life and customs is an important part of Erub beliefs.' - Erub artist
Image: Erub Arts, Erub
'Ghost net is a real menace to marine life. When you see the reef, you want to protect it. You want to pick up things and do something and make something out of it, anything and also something for yourself too.' - Racy Oui-Pitt
Image: Erub Arts, Erub
'I have always been interested in making things. I have always crocheted and enjoyed sewing and handcrafts. As a member of Erub arts, I have gained confidence as an artist, and I want to do things that represent me, my family, and my surroundings from 'before-time' to modern times.' - Nancy Naawi