Michelle "Mishvania" Beattie

Michelle Beattie (aka MishVania) brings intuitive art sculpted from ocean plastic pollution found and collected from her local beaches in Kommetjie and Scarborough, Cape Town. In 2024 she had her first solo exhibition and currently has work exhibited in London and galleries in Cape Town. Her sculptures highlight the severity of the ocean plastic pollution crisis, inviting viewers to engage in constructive conversations on how to address this issue. As she puts it: 'If I don't show you, you will not see!'

Growing up in Plettenberg Bay, Michelle cherished her days on the beach, captivated by the ocean's beauty and collecting what she affectionately called 'Mermaids' Tears.' It was only later that she discovered these were plastic nurdles, the raw material of plastic production. This realisation sparked her passion for environmental advocacy.

Motivated by a growing awareness of the severe impact of plastics on marine life, Michelle felt a strong urge to raise awareness about this issue. In 2020, she discovered the power of art to convey her message. By sculpting with unaltered beach-found plastics, she aims to give the ocean a 'voice'.

Her art serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to embrace sustainability. Each piece tells a story of transformation, reshaping ocean plastic pollution into captivating artworks that invite reflection on our environmental impact. Through her creations, Michelle seeks to inspire a deeper commitment to protecting the environment.