The Rock of the Noahtion
“The Rock of the Noahtion” is a custom piece, created for South African Comedian and host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah.
The relationship that Trevor and his mother, Patricia is such a special bond. Being raised by a single mother during apartheid in South Africa had many challenges as Trevor, who was “born a crime” (also the title of his book) to a black Xhosa woman and a white Swiss man. Shielded from the reality by his family, Patricia always made sure Trevor had the best she could provide. Growing up Trevor’s family was poor, but he never realised that as a child. Patricia had a lot of optimism, although she endured a lot through her life. Having the ability to appreciate the reality of the world she was in but also optimistic to pursue the future she wished to exist in and passing that on to her son.
I wanted to capture that bond in this piece. A young Trevor being hugged and surrounded by the love of his mother, a rock of a woman. She believed her son could be anything, despite their current circumstances.
The portrait is painted in a monochrome colour scheme with acrylic paint in different thicknesses to give a more realistic feel. The background of the piece is created in my trash to treasure style by using recycled materials (soda cans and single-use aluminium coffee capsules). The pattern in the background is inspired by a Xhosa tribal pattern, often seen in their beautiful traditional beadwork. The “upcycled waste” used in this piece really becomes a symbol of the journey that they walked as a family. Patricia tried to make the best of each situation, turning it into something beautiful.
Title: “The Rock of the Noahtion”
Dimensions: 600 x 400mm
Medium: Mixed Medium (Acrylic Paint, Recycled Nespresso Capsules, Fanta Cans)
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.