Marina DeBris is the name used by an Australian based artist whose work focuses on reusing trash to raise awareness of ocean and beach pollution. DeBris uses trash washed up from the beach to create trashion, 'fish tanks', decorative art and other works of art. She has also used beach trash to provide one perspective on what the earth might look like from space. As well as creating art from debris, DeBris also is a fund raiser for environmental organizations, and collaborates with non-profit organizations and schools to educate children about ocean pollution. DeBris is also a social activist, for example, participating in a panel on how artists can contribute to environmental public policy, promoting clean energy and curating eco-art exhibitions. DeBris's work is not just in pollution, but also works with non profits to raise funds for art education. DeBris is listed with the Women Environmental Artists Directory, has been cited by EcoSalon as one of four artists whose work raises awareness of environmental concerns, and has been listed as one of ten key eco artists.
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Education and personal life
DeBris was educated at Indiana University and the Rhode Island School of Design. She has lived and worked in New York City, London, England, and Sydney, Australia. She was born in Detroit, had lived in Los Angeles, and currently lives in Australia
Genre and venues
Works by DeBris are often displayed in galleries, Sculpture by the Sea included in science events, included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Washed Ashore Project, or may be used by organizations such as the United Nations as awards. Her works are also displayed in venues not typically thought of as galleries, but are art venues nonetheless, such as retail venues, Burning Man, a trasher's ball, a downtown art walk, or an Earth Day creek spring clean-up.
DeBris also partners or works with various anti-pollution organizations, such as Friends of Ballona Wetlands, 5 Gyres, RuckusRoots, the United Nations Special Assembly on Climate Change Heal the Bay and other organizations, such as Aquarium of the Pacific. Marina DeBris has also designed accessories for Captain Charles J. Moore, who worked to bring attention to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. DeBris' work with the United Nations Special Assembly was a collaboration with actress/poet Sheryl Lee, dancer Maya Gabay, and musician Marla Leigh.