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There’s something deeply inspiring about people who turn their love for Cape Cod into something meaningful. Sarah Thornington is one of those people.
I caught up with Sarah at a very foggy and windy Seagull Beach, a spot that holds personal significance in both her art and her story. (Notice the fun new addition to her fabulously decorated bucket!) We headed out to the beach to see what we could find.
Through her project Ebb the Tide, she transforms what others leave behind - plastic, debris, forgotten fragments - into vibrant, thought-provoking art. But her work isn’t just about creativity; it’s about connection, conservation, and community. Fun fact: it's impossible to hang out with Sarah and not laugh about something! She is one of the most joyful people I have ever met. Her laugh is infectious, and she can always find something to bring a smile to her face. She's a lot of fun to be with!
Wearing her For the Love of Seagull Beach tee (a perfect match, if I do say so myself!), she shared her love for Cape Cod’s wild beauty, how art and activism come together in her work, and why even the smallest acts - like picking up a single piece of beach trash - can spark meaningful change.
In her own words:
1. Let’s start with your story – can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do?
I’m Sarah Thornington, artivist, beach cleaner, long time Cape Codder, part mermaid, finder of wonder. I can usually be found with messy hair and rocks in my pockets on a beach somewhere watching the birds, admiring seaweed, studying barnacles or listening to the waves. 5 years ago I decided to do a beach clean-up every day for a year; I had no idea it would change the entire trajectory of my life. Somewhere along the way of picking up almost 21,000 pieces of plastic, I became a marine-debris artist which morphed into a conservation artist, and now I just go with artivist- meaning I use my art as activism. I create art with things I find during beach clean ups, or items that would otherwise be discarded- to start conversations, to share important issues, to create beauty and to remind people to be better stewards of our planet.
2. Does your work or passion intersect with Cape Cod’s natural beauty, community, or history - and if so, how? Whether it’s through what you do or what you love, how does the Cape show up in your world?
I am constantly inspired by the beauty of Cape Cod, my art is all about my wanting to protect our precious environment and to speak for some of the amazing species we are lucky enough to have live or visit our shores. I create endangered species artworks using mostly marine debris, from the Critically Endangered Right Whales and Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles to the Vulnerable species like Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs to Near Threatened Piping Plovers. I love to talk about the superpowers these species, and others, have and why it is critical for us to learn to live together on this spit of land and how and why we must protect them.
3. What does Cape Cod mean to you personally? Tell us what this place represents for you, in your own words.
Cape Cod is a magical part of the world. For me it is a place of wonder that I love exploring. There is always something beautiful in every season whether it’s seeing the beach plum blossoms in the spring, the myriad of mushrooms in the fall, or the different species of seaweed and shells that change from beach to beach and month to month. I can’t imagine ever running out of things to be amazed by.
4. Why did you choose this particular t-shirt? Whether it's a favorite beach, a meaningful town, or a “Most Likely To” that made you laugh - what drew you to this design?
Seagull Beach is home. It is the beach where I’ve walked with my dog hundreds of times, and have visited with every single member of my family. Seagull is a million stories: my daughter life-guarding there for many summers, winter storm days when our eyelashes were white with snow and we laughed about looking like arctic explorers, walking by the light of the moon (and of course singing about moon shadows), watching fireworks, nighttime dips with my husband and my dog, shell collecting with my mum and daughter, riding bikes, swapping books at the Little Free library, photographing the birds; a lifetime of every day ordinary moments which are those that make life more beautiful.
5. What’s one place on the Cape that always brings you a sense of peace or joy? A spot that feels special to you, no matter the season.
Being out on any of the beaches or dune trails on the Outer Cape. I love hiking, beachcombing, sketching, exploring. The beach changes so much in every season; it’s always a delight to be out in the wilds of the Cape exploring and finding signs of changes. Simply finding the wonder that is already there is something that brings me peace, and oh so much joy.
6. Do you have any favorite local businesses, artists, or causes you’d like to shout out? Let’s lift up others who are making waves in our community.
I have to start with a couple of organizations that are protecting this beautiful place and the creatures that live here: Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, and CARE for the Cape and Islands.
And a couple of artists that understand that we can truly make the world a better place by seeing beauty and sharing beauty, Stephanie King, Seaside Botanical Art and Mary Richmond, Cape Cod Art and Nature.
7. What’s something about Cape Cod you’d want others to experience - something that never gets old for you? A place, a moment, or a feeling - whatever captures the magic for you.
Easy. For me, the most magical part of Cape Cod is watching North Atlantic Right Whales feeding from the shore. In the winter and spring, you can stand on the beach and watch these magnificent creatures while they visit and feed with their calves. There are only 372 North Atlantic Right whales left on the planet, what a gift that we can share space with them.
8. What are you most excited about right now - personally or professionally? Give us a glimpse of what’s lighting you up these days.
I’ve been teaching a bunch of classes this year, I’ve been loving that. Not only do I get to help people make Right Whales out of beach trash, but I also get to share how cool they are and ways we all can help.
Also, after applying pretty much every year for the last decade, I have been chosen to stay in a Dune Shack for a week this year. I am beyond excited to get to live and simply be in the dunes I love so much by myself for an entire week.
9. Where can people learn more about you or support what you do? Share your links, pages, or how folks can connect.
I am most active on Instagram, @EbbtheTide, but can also be found on Facebook. If you’d like to be added to my email list to find out about upcoming workshops, shows, and events you can email me at EbbtheTide@Gmail.com
(One more thing Sarah forgot to mention - her super-adorable, wildly creative stop-motion animations made from pieces from her 21,000+ marine debris collection. Each one carries a powerful message. You can check them out on her YouTube page here: Dear Plastic: We need to break up.)
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Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your heart, your art, and your love for the Cape.
If her story inspired you, feel free to leave a comment below or share this post with someone who could use a little Cape Cod magic today.
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