I am Her – Working Mother
This painting is part of the series titled “I Am Her.” In this series, I create art pieces of inspirational woman from all walks of life. I photograph each of the women from four sides. Depicting a 360-degree view of the specific woman to look deeper and get a better understanding of the particular woman. I want people to look at these women and see little bits of themselves in them and that they would be able to say, “I Am Her”.
The first woman in the series is Jane, a working mother of a beautiful daughter and soon to be the mother of two. Originally from Kenya, Jane has called the UAE her home for the past ten years. In-between Jane’s busy schedule as an assistant showroom manager she still manages to be a hands-on mother. For me, she represents so many mothers all around the world that is building a career as well as a family and doing a wonderful job at it.
I used acrylic paint with a monochrome colour scheme for the portrait and for contrast in the background I used recycled Nespresso capsules and Softi candy wrappers. The recycled items are arranged to create a colourful pattern that represents that of Janes Kenyan routs.
Title: “I Am Her – Working Mother 1-4”
Dimensions: 600mm x 400mm
Medium: Mixed Medium (Acrylic paint glass paint, aluminium paint, Nespresso Capsules, Softi Candy Wrappers)
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.