Nerissa Cargill Thompson: The Problem Lies Upstream

A cautionary tale told through mixed media sculptures.

Nerissa Cargill Thompson explores environmental issues through contemporary textile art made using recycled textiles and concrete cast in plastic waste. She aims to make people consider the world around them and their responsibility to the environment.

The title refers to the fact that many of the issues on our coasts and beaches are caused by activity further away. Dropped litter gets washed down drains into the water system as do flushed sanitary products, all eventually pumped out into the sea and other beach litter is often left by day trippers.

The Green Loop collection was created to highlight the issue of plastic pollution on the Fylde coast; an important coastal area for the people of Preston; a place filled with memories of day trips and family fun.

The pieces were made in response to research and beach cleans. The collection formed an art trail across local businesses in Kirkham and St Annes.

Nerissa’s sculptures are a beautiful and effective visualisation of the true legacy of single use plastics and will hopefully instigate conversations around plastic pollution, in particular single use plastic, and what people can do to help however small.

The Green Loop project was commissioned by Fylde Council funded by Arts Council England.