The Marine Debris Typeface Project

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.