Desert Rose
“Desert Rose” was inspired by my time living in the UAE. I was always so amazed when driving pass, a camel and to see them in the desert especially if there was a small calve.
During a camping trip in the desert, I experienced first-hand how many trash people make and then just leave it in the desert. Plastic bags flying around trash bags filled and empty cans was not the best look for what was thought to be a pristine desert. One in two camels dies due to consuming a large amount of plastic, making this a massive issue and a treat to camels and other wildlife that call the desert home.
The title of the art piece is named after one of Sting’s songs, Desert Rose. After listening to Sting live in Dubai, it made me think a bit deeper about what a desert rose would look like if she were to create one. She wanted to tell the story of the camels and how these beautiful creatures we associate with the desert is crying out for help.
The camel is wrapped in single-use aluminium coffee capsules. I added my version of dessert roses all over the camel, also made from the coffee capsules. I hope with this piece that we look at the desert with a new perspective and to do our part to keep it clean and keep the camels and animals safe.
Title: “Desert Rose”
Dimensions: 280mm x 220mm
Medium: Mixed Medium (Paper and Nespresso Capsules)
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.