Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Little Mermaid in 1836 and has since been reworked many times. Probably the most popular version of the story is the 1989 Disney movie. However, even this was 30 years ago, so German artist Stephanie Hermes (aka s0s2) decided to create a modern mermaid. Appropriately titled The Little Trashmaid, her series masterfully reimagines ocean pollution in a way that’s as accurate as it is depressing.
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#1
“I have liked to draw since I was little,” s0s2 told Bored Panda. “Fortunately, my wonderful parents supported and encouraged me from the beginning. After school, I was able to study art for three years, following a job in the gaming industry. I am currently becoming an independent artist.”
“But regardless of your education, I believe that everyone can become an artist as long as they have the passion, the motivation and a lot of inspiration to keep going.”
#2
“I would say that my style mostly inspired by American cartoons from the ’90s with a touch of Japanese anime. I love drawing funny expressions and cartoons are perfect for that.
#3
“In May, a close friend suggested drawing a mermaid story, referring to the Mermay Challenge,” said s0s2. “When I started drawing, I wondered what she should wear. To be honest, I found those classic seashell bras boring and thought, ‘I need something more realistic.’ What would a mermaid wear these days? What would she find in the ocean?’
#4
That’s when the plastic bag came to mind. It sparked a lot of new ideas and I came up with more and more things to add. “The modern mermaid wouldn’t have a realistic enough Ariel,” I thought. It would have to deal with our plastic waste!
#5
#6
“I think we all [had to deal with plastic pollution] at some point,” s0s2 said. “Not only in the ocean, but also in the streets. Seeing rubbish lying around or floating around makes me sick to my stomach. I really don’t know what’s so hard about picking up the trash after yourself. After all, we are not the only species living on this planet. We need to pay more attention to our surroundings! Plastic doesn’t break down.
“Also, I’ve had a really hard time looking for reference images for the Trashmaid comics. Seeing those photos of horribly polluted oceans always hit me hard. Something needs to be done about this problem.
#7
#8
It is important to be aware of the situation”, continued the artist. “There is so much we can do! Dispose of trash properly (even if it’s not yours), conserve water, be part of plastic recycling, use less plastic, and walk more often than by car. Use products that are safe for the environment. The resources of this planet are not unlimited. Support green businesses. Don’t cut down trees, plant them!”
“Earth doesn’t need us but we need her. So you have to respect it and take care of it.”
#9
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