Flotsam and Jetsam, a Deep Respect for the Ocean
I always feel a wave of regret, at this time each year. With the wrap up of our Flotsam and Jetsam Exhibition 2022, I wonder if I’ve done enough, for the ocean, for the home of my pearl farm, for the beautiful Abrolhos Islands, for the community…
That wave is alway quickly followed by another, a feeling of being proud, that we did what we could, that we are making a difference in the lives of the birds and sea life at the Abrolhos Islands, the ocean and in the lives of the people in our community. From cleaning up to giving back and giving hope, every year it continues to grow in the community and in my heart.
It’s a choice, making decisions that really matter the most to me. It’s not just about being environmentally responsible and sustainable, it’s about a lifelong gratitude for the ocean and all that she gives us.
Having been raised on the Abrolhos Islands and going on to run my own pearl farm there, I always had a fascination with items the tides brought in. With a love and absolute respect for the Islands, and for all Australian waters and land, I have collected rubbish since I was 4 years old and loved creating art with it. Little did I know that my play would turn into so much more. I’m passionate about contributing towards preserving these waters, this is my way of showing gratitude to the ocean for giving me the beautiful pearls I grow and can then share with you.
While we have removed boat loads of rubbish from the Abrolhos Islands since 2011, the event has many more benefits than just cleaning up coastline debris, it encourages artists to express themselves on a deeper level, without judgment, in some cases this has shown significant healing and wellbeing.
This year we had over 100 incredible entries from local artists, beautiful, creative and thought provoking. I love reading the artist description of their work, their stories, feelings and life experiences seem to be interwoven with materials.
Every year my team do an incredible job of helping bring our Flotsam & Jetsam event together. So much hard work and dedication each year…as do the volunteers, the artists and so many people in our community….We all love working hand in hand with nature.
Our Flotsam and Jetsam journey is now documented with the release of our very own movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, ‘The Story of Flotsam and Jetsam’ can be found in full here.
Why not follow our Flotsam and Jetsam journey @flotsam_and_jetsam_by_latitude
Special thank you to our Sponsors:
@bataviacoastmaritimeheritageassocition
Learn more about Flotsam and Jetsam.
Kind regards as always,
Pia Boschetti
