Kommetjie is a community deeply connected to the ocean, where love for nature and respect for the environment are inherent in everyday life. Artist Janet Ormond takes this one step further – transforming what washes up on our beaches into sculptures that give ocean plastic new life. In doing so, she’s raising awareness and telling powerful stories, while creating truly beautiful artworks that are quite astounding in their incredible detail.⁠

Meet Janet, ocean plastic sculptor and gallery owner

Janet is an environmental artist who transforms ocean plastic into striking artworks. Her practice highlights the impact of pollution, while celebrating nature’s beauty.

“I am an environmental artist working primarily with ocean plastic and found materials. My work transforms what is discarded into sculptures and installations that tell stories about our relationship with the sea and the impact of human activity on the natural world. Each piece is both a reminder of the problem and a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the possibility of change.”⁠

Janet began creating with ocean plastic pollution in 2017

“I’ve always loved the ocean, and seeing it suffocated by plastic was deeply unsettling. What started as collecting trash soon evolved into sculptural work, an attempt to give this material a second life and raise awareness in a way that feels accessible and hopeful.”⁠

What does she love most about Kommetjie?⁠

“Kommetjie has always felt like a small pocket of magic. I love the strong sense of community, the ever-changing moods of the mountain and ocean, and the way nature is woven into daily life here. It’s a place that keeps me grounded, inspired, and constantly aware of the deep connection between people and the environment.”⁠

After setting up her studio at Imhoff Farm, Studio 50 in artisan alley, she has also begun to curate group exhibitions in the space too – around themes of ocean awareness and environmental consciousness. She was so inspired by the space, she decided to launch Kommetjie’s own First Thursday event in June this year, which has run successfully on a monthly basis since. Held on the first Thursday of every month, from 5pm until 8pm, all the shops, galleries and other tenants on the Imhoff Farm stay open on that evening, along with live music and food vendors – and of course, the restaurants and bars stay open till late. The event brings a fresh energy to the farm, attracting local families, art enthusiasts, shoppers and visitors to Kommetjie for the evening.

Credits

Words: Sarah Jayne Fell & interview with Janet (Studio 50)
Photography: supplied
Website: curbbeachplastic.co.za
Instagram:@Janetormond_art

About Janet Ormond

Janet grew up in Hout Bay, South Africa. Today, she resides in the nearby small coastal town of Kommetjie, with her husband and two sons. Raised either sailing off Brazil’s shores or enjoying Cape Town’s stunning beaches, Janet developed a deep affinity for the sea from a young age. Her educational journey led her to study art at the College of Cape Town. Post-graduation, Janet spent a decade in boat-based tourism. Since then, she successfully operated a craft business and more recently made a mark as an environmental activist through her art.