Threads of the Ocean: A Whale’s Tale in Reclaimed Rope

I created this piece during a time of transition — after moving to a new part of Portugal, I found myself in an unfamiliar space, creatively dormant yet surrounded by inspiration. My home at the time, though temporary, had a round table that sparked an idea: to create a large-scale artwork using the fishing ropes I had collected over years of beach cleanups. Even after crafting a 120 cm diameter piece, my stockpile of discarded ropes barely seemed to shrink; an ever-present reminder of the ocean’s silent struggles.

I started by tracing the shape of the table onto an old bedsheet, mapping out the design: a majestic whale at the center, encircled by seashells, sea urchins, coral, and swaying seaweed. With each piece of rope carefully cut and placed, the artwork took form, element by element, movement by movement, until the background itself became an extension of the sea.

The Meditative Process of Rope Art

Creating with reclaimed rope is both meditative and meticulous. Unlike painting, where layers can be adjusted and colors blended, every decision is final. Once a rope is placed, it stays. The challenge lies not only in the precise arrangement but also in working within the limited color palette of the reclaimed fishing ropes. Green ropes are abundant, while orange, red, and yellow are rare treasures. The composition must feel balanced — dispersing colour like scattered coral across the seabed, creating harmony amidst the chaos of marine debris.

A Cosmic Connection to the Sea

This piece is more than an artistic representation of the ocean; it is a reflection of its vast, interconnected nature. The arrangement of the elements is almost cosmic — like a constellation of marine life calling the viewer to see the sea in a new way. The whale, the seashells, the corals — they are all part of something greater, just as we are. Through this piece, I hope to inspire a deeper love for the ocean: not just as a place of beauty, but as a force to be protected, honoured, and understood.

By transforming discarded fishing ropes into art, I seek to give new life to what was once waste, echoing the ocean’s resilience and fragility. This piece invites collectors, ocean lovers, and conservationists to not only admire the sea’s beauty but to actively participate in its preservation. The ocean is wild, free, and powerful and so are we when we choose to protect it.