dellaram vreeland

Regina Middleton’s love for beach-combing stems back to her childhood. From her early years, she fondly recalls visiting the beach near Fremantle in Western Australia and fossicking for discarded marine debris along the seaside

“I hold some very dear memories close to my heart of going on these adventures with my mum,” she says. “My love of the discarded is an intuitive pull, as is the desire to make jewellery, or art, for adornment.” 

A jeweller and visual artist based in Torquay on Wadawurrung Country, Regina’s art is inspired by the natural world, in particular by the shores and waterways of her surrounding hometown.

Reflecting spirit, colour, shape, form and texture in one glorious parcel of creative delight, Reg’s repertoire of works could include everything from a stunning pair of sterling silver earrings, an embroidered mixed-media work on french linen, or a sculpture made of weathered gems and faux pearls.

Forging her works using weathered plastic, debris and flotsam combined with other unique pieces, she treats each element as a beautiful gem, “as you would a sapphire, diamond or ruby” – thereby capturing the beauty of objects otherwise unseen while contributing to a cleaner and healthier seascape.

Since beginning her career, her work has been devoted to the core ethos of sustainability, exploring the wonders inherent in weathered marine debris while also raising awareness about the harrowing effects that littering can have on our waterways, marine wildlife and the natural environment. 

“My practice begins with collecting along the high tide line, it is where I turn inward and lean into the calm the ocean brings, exploring with childlike wonder and excitement,” she says. “It is my meditation, where my mind is most calm and stays within the present moment.”

“Yet there is a sadness to this practice. Our oceans are choking, our wildlife are suffering and we have microplastics in our cells. We have left an undeniable mark on our natural world and it is struggling to thrive under our disrespect and disconnection to it. But there is hope to be found, light, beauty, curiosity and connection. 

“My desire to nurture a practice that promotes environmentally conscious living is stronger than ever now that I have kids,” the mother-of-two says. “I want my children to know the beauty nature holds and through being in awe of this beauty, I hope they too will do what they can to protect it.”

Regina’s recent solo exhibition Discarded captured the beauty in found objects, while imploring us to both acknowledge and act on the profound impact we have on the natural world. 

“I want people to do a double take,” she says. “I must confess it does feel weird to find beauty in something so tragic though. Silver lining perhaps?”

“I am passionate about protecting our environment, and if I can find ways for my practice to be ethical whilst also raising awareness of bigger issues then that is what I am going to strive for.” 

Discover how Regina is promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices through her craft here: @reginamiddleton

Words: Dellaram Vreeland
Image of Regina: Timothy Marriage
Images of works: Supplied