Paul Wirhun, Artist, designer, Eco warrior.

Creator of Marine Debris wearables.

With all the recent tragedies that continue to upset the balance of the planet and its pristine oceans, its inspiring to find people in our midst that care enough to turn pollution into beautiful political art. 

A close mutual friend had invited me to Paul Wirhun’s house last summer, for a relaxed Sunday garden party. I expected a small eclectic group of local Brooklynites, and looking forward to the company of inspiring minds, eating, drinking and laughing the afternoon away.

On arriving at Paul’s home, I was warmly greeted by the host and introduced to his small but growing gathering of friends. In his kitchen was a huge heavy wooden table crammed with a banquet of fresh farm foods, home made spreads and wines. I knew little about my host so being left to mingle I looked around the studio apartment. I began noticing that it was filled with vintage collectables, art and small sculptures. Then my attention went to the many colors, of plumage, netting, fabrics and textiles that dressed the walls and covered the furniture. I bumped into a spiral staircase in the middle of the living area it rose up from the floor disappearing into an imaginary upper level. My eyes were drinking in the depths of textures as I weaved and searched for the next fine delicate piece of art or glistening object. Finally I rested my gaze - on the most wonderful creations; hats, that poured out of boxes or stuffed on shelves high up out of my reach. That’s when the little girl inside me silently jumped for joy. I had found a secret closet bursting of magic and beauty. And the grownup me saw Organic art and fashion fused consciously, delighting my senses and kicking my sleepy mind and soul into high alert.

Consequently I grabbed Paul to find out about the man behind the art and was so happy to find a tall, vibrant personality that absorbs the Universe with his heart, and drinks from the cup of Truth and Love, every day.

This interview with Paul came from an email I sent him with a number of probing questions. More or less to get to know him on paper. But after reading his reply I wanted the world to hear him by his own words.

Paul Wirhun = given name; known as the Eggman for my work on eggshells; and while living in Provincetown from 1990-8 - I used to do a drag character named "Marine Debris"

1) When did you start to collect Marine Debris and why?

While living in Ptown in the early 90's = I would go for a long swim down the tidal channels @ Herrring Cove Beach, and as I would walk back to my towel on the beachside = I would collect the garbage I found on the beach; I would also do this while leaving the beach at the end of the day = sometime intentionally to create drag for going out that night; this is in line with the "beachcomber" tradition in many beach communities, it is part of the art I would see in galleries, in which the older artists would incorporate findings from the beach in their collage work, etc. Also partly as an environmental statement, as a drag queen - to show in the streets that night the crap people would leave behind on the beach that day.

2) What’s the process from finding it to the finished piece?

The materials often dictate the finished piece = thus an idea would come from looking at what I had collected - and that would determine what I could make; part of this is the deep relaxation & sheer joy - like a child - that I have while being on the beach; thus it is a form of play - no rhyme or reason than something to do to while away a summer's day.... talking with friends = and this helps me as part of my obsessive compulsive tendencies, they are satisfied by the joy of working with my hands & creating in this context.

3) Do you sell them or are they more exhibition pieces?

Both/and

4) What’s your future with the Marine debris concept?

To continue making more pieces as fun & chic wearables = to show HOW we can use trash to make wearable art AND raise environmental consciousness; I am particularly interested in using this concept to raise awareness of all the plastic that is swirling in the gyres in the oceans...and killing marine life.

5) Did you think of going down to the Gulf for items?

Not at this point...it would be possible - tho' my point is also that I could collect on the beaches where I cavort = as a way of showing others they can do the same where THEY are...tho' the potential for work-shopping this idea does exist.

6) And lastly, what’s your messege?

Live a life that promotes Beauty, Balance & Delight - something I've learned from my friends in the Reclaiming Witch tradition; to raise consciousness, that the DIY movement is alive and well and FUN!

Here's the story re Marine Debris to use: 

Marine Debris, otherwise known as

Common Beach Trash is a Happy Hooker who loves this Planet

but HATES the Flotsam & Jetsam that washes ashore on her

little Patch of Paradise known as Provincetown sur le Mer!

As she cruises these Sunny Shores, she gathers this trash & twirls it into Haute Chapeau Couture 4 Your Delight & to show off

how much YOU Love this Planet & its pristine Plages

where we Cavort & Play & While away a Summer's Day!

Paul

www.paulwirhun.com