The Marine Debris Typeface Project
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c564c9a5db7838e2928427d0de9b316a11f1cc10b5e26b800d7beb2ebb4067dd/Dion-Star_MarineDebrisType_2_low_o.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ba555137f35d85d29aa1f18c7b16bbf0db1e908d7a906cc10228c85942188827/Dion-Star_MarineDebrisType_cropped_5_o.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/79b25508a87e6d8a9f814bf3a03cc0d31123ccf35cfb53c322823f848d4692ca/Dion-Star_MarineDebrisType_1_o.jpg)
A study of found local vernacular letterforms and is part of an investigation into Type and Place. An attempt to subvert the relationship between production and waste, with the creation of a working font through the chance discovery of marine litter. The found type highlights the need to design out waste and calls for design to play a more integral role in the circular economy.
The relationship between these found objects and their (our) environment is inseparable, yet if issues of their impact are to be communicated to a new audience, separation is exactly what is needed, a new approach reacting against the cliché of folk-art environmentalism. The twenty six letters work not only as a graphic notation of language, but also as a comment on the environmental challenge of disposable manufacturing
Rule:
Collect marine debris from one beach until you find (shapes that resemble) all 26 letters of the alphabet. Document what you find.
How many pieces of Marine Debris will I need to pick up on Wherrytown Beach before I find the 26 letters of the alphabet?
Wherrytown Beach, pieces collected: 2041
Methodology:
• Pick up any piece of marine debris that is smaller than an A4 sheet of paper.
• No bottles, cans, plastic bags, crisp packets or chocolate wrappers.
• No manipulation of the objects.
• Stop collecting when I have all 26 letters.
• Document all that I find.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1aecea4a2704c7e54390d22f54f4fe1b4fb274d71b04334c1f08a0bd0e4cfb16/MD_26of2041_a_WEB.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8349beca6a650cedf51d55d59fa8814d6c9aa34ea4679fdc24e386d6fc9a64a3/_T1_9766WEB.jpg)