Trash to Treasure

Hull-based artist Jackie Ranney stands out for many reasons: the vibrancy and complexity of her work, her ecological activism, but, perhaps most significantly, her choice of medium. Her pieces might not look like it at first, but they actually consist almost entirely of recycled material, namely marine debris recovered from the beaches and coastal waters of New England. Ranney’s work is motivated by both the beauty found in the oceans and the urgent issue of marine pollution. Art has been important to Ranney for her whole life, as has environmentalism. After attending Walnut Hill School for the Arts, she studied fine art and anthropology at the American University of Paris. She has had careers in painting, sculpting, and design. Around 2019, she had a “lightbulb moment” in which she realized there was a way to combine all of her lifelong passions.

“It’s a balance between being an artist and... talking about how important it is to be aware of our environment,” said Ranney.

A lot of Ranney’s works are commissioned, and for her clients they are often very personal. She has, for example, sourced the marine debris in a piece from a client’s local beach. Locale can also simply be a source of inspiration, as can the client’s personal interests and aesthetic preferences. In lieu of outside direction, though, the materials themselves tend to play a role in whichever way the piece goes. Generally, Ranney doesn’t start a project with a clear plan for the finished design; she is willing to see where the creative process takes her.

Rather than just “beach trash,” the debris Ranney works with includes the expected single-use plastics and discarded fishing equipment. However, at certain times of year, everything from golf balls to peach pits will wash up en masse. She finds multiple uses for the same objects, such as buoys, repurposing the colorful outside for paintings, and the interior as a carving medium. The only materials that aren’t recovered from the ocean, such as the foam board she uses as her canvas, are recycled scrap that would otherwise be thrown away. Other ways she has found to “upcycle” is to use “reject” paint from hardware stores and plaster that construction companies throw away. Ranney’s goal is to both exclusively use recycled material and to make sure as little of that material as possible is disposed of in the end.

Even with her unconventional choice of materials, Ranney’s experience as an artist is apparent in her pieces. Generally, her art doesn’t depict the pollution itself; it evokes parts of the natural beauty that pollution poses a threat to. Some pieces or collections are created primarily with one specific variety of marine debris, such as balloons, which have proven to be a significant threat due to their prevalence and danger to wildlife. Oftentimes, her materials are able to spark ideas. Though her work is often somewhat abstract, it always carries a clear piece of its inspiration, the ocean. Ultimately, Ranney’s intention for each piece is to create something that can both stand as its own work of art, and be able to spark a conversation about its materials and meaning.

Ranney works hands-on with marine debris not just as an artist, but also as a diligent participant in coastal cleanup projects. These efforts have the immediate effect of removing pollutants from oceans and beaches, and are a less obvious — but nonetheless important —opportunity to gather data that can help drive legislative action.

“It’s good for people to know that there are organizations that do [ocean cleanups] and are always looking for volunteers. There’s a lot of positive change happening, so it’s not all doom and gloom,” said Ranney.

Ranney has participated in beach cleans in Hull and Provincetown, to name just a couple. She is also taking steps to get young people more involved with environmentalism. She has worked with high school students in Scituate, and plans to work with Hull Middle School on projects that combine the art and science curriculums. Ranney’s art is currently being displayed locally, at The Studio in Hingham, and she has plans to display more at Lark and Soul in Duxbury. She is also working on some upcoming collections, which include themes of the elements and even archeology, which she has prior experience with.

There are numerous things Ranney would like her art to accomplish, but the most significant are sparking discussion, spreading awareness, and bringing a bit of joy to people’s lives. As both an artist and activist, she wants her work to be meaningful to people, whether that is through appreciating its beauty or being encouraged to participate in environmental initiatives. Combining art and environmentalism brings a very human sort of hope to a problem that often feels insurmountable.

The many issues the environment is facing can seem bleak, and people often hesitate to take action because they feel there’s nothing they can do. It is a situation in which people need hope, a reminder of what they are fighting for, and evidence that their goal is possible. Ranney’s artwork is able to provide all three.

To be inspired by the natural world, and to make art that serves as a clear reminder of how important it is, can be a powerful force in the movement to have and maintain a healthier planet.

@jackieranneygallery; jackieranneygallery.com

Tech-inspired outerwear, better known as “Gorpcore,’’ is a trend that became popular on TikTok. This style turns workwear into statement pieces that are functional and versatile. Brands usually worn for the rugged outdoors, like Carhartt or Wrangler, are being transformed into tech-outerwear on the runway.

We see this trend with major brands like Arc’teryx, The North Face, and Patagonia. Some styles can be worn exaggerated with oversized accessories such as a hiking backpack, a beanie or hat, gloves, or a large puffer coat. Gorpcore has no gender or styling limits; just be comfortable and dress in layers.

Dark romance, with its mysterious allure and gothic undertones, has transcended its previous seasonal appearance to become a timeless style. This aesthetic draws inspiration from historical periods such as the Victorian Era where many wore clothing that was a perfect balance between horror and romance. Deep, moody, colors such as burgundy, forest green, and midnight black dominate the palette, creating a sense of drama and sophistication. Silver accessories, when added to a dark romance outfit, elevate the mystery behind the look. Big earrings, chain belts, and oversized handbags give this trend more passion.

Hull-based artist Jackie Ranney stands out for many reasons: the vibrancy and complexity of her work, her ecological activism, but, perhaps most significantly, her choice of medium. Her pieces might not look like it at first, but they actually consist almost entirely of recycled material, namely marine debris recovered from the beaches and coastal waters of New England. Ranney’s work is motivated by both the beauty found in the oceans and the urgent issue of marine pollution. Art has been important to Ranney for her whole life, as has environmentalism. After attending Walnut Hill School for the Arts, she studied fine art and anthropology at the American University of Paris. She has had careers in painting, sculpting, and design. Around 2019, she had a “lightbulb moment” in which she realized there was a way to combine all of her lifelong passions.

Hull-based artist Jackie Ranney stands out for many reasons: the vibrancy and complexity of her work, her ecological activism, but, perhaps most significantly, her choice of medium. Her pieces might not look like it at first, but they actually consist almost entirely of recycled material, namely marine debris recovered from the beaches and coastal waters of New England. Ranney’s work is motivated by both the beauty found in the oceans and the urgent issue of marine pollution. Art has been important to Ranney for her whole life, as has environmentalism. After attending Walnut Hill School for the Arts, she studied fine art and anthropology at the American University of Paris. She has had careers in painting, sculpting, and design. Around 2019, she had a “lightbulb moment” in which she realized there was a way to combine all of her lifelong passions.