From Ocean Shorelines to Flip-Flop Art: A Conversation with Master Carver Jonathan from Ocean Sole

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Jonathan Lenato, a flip-flop artist from Ocean Sole. They discuss the process of carving flip-flops into artistic pieces and the importance of reusing them. Jonathan shares his passion for the business and the eye-opening nature of their products. Listeners gain insight into the environmental impact of flip-flops and how Ocean Sole is making a difference. Join the conversation and learn how everyday items can be transformed into beautiful works of art while helping to protect the ocean.

Website: https://oceansole.com/en-ca
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Ocean Soul is a company that specializes in producing a wide range of products, with a particular focus on sculptures of wildlife and marine animals. However, they have also expanded their product line to include home items like cushions and stools. They even create sculptures of domestic animals such as dogs and cats. The company takes pride in offering a diverse range of products, boasting over a hundred different items to cater to various customer preferences and interests.

The skilled carvers at Ocean Sole rely heavily on their memory and previous experience when creating their products. Their expertise is such that they can often craft pieces without the need for reference photos or drafts. For instance, when carving giraffes, they can rely solely on their memory to guide them, knowing exactly what to do.

Nevertheless, there are instances where reference photos are necessary, especially when clients make specific requests. In such cases, the carvers may need to consult specific photos or drafts to ensure they capture all the necessary details accurately.

Overall, while the carvers primarily rely on their memory and experience, they are also adaptable and willing to use reference photos when needed to meet the specific requests of their clients.

The process of creating Ocean Sole's products involves several steps. It begins with gathering flip-flops and die-cutting them to create blocks. These blocks are then joined together and meticulously carved using a knife to shape the desired features, such as the body, legs, ears, and other intricate details. After carving, the products undergo a smoothing process using sandpaper, which reveals the curve of the knife. Once the smoothing is complete, the various parts, such as the ears, eyes, and tails, are assembled, and the product undergoes a balancing process.

Following the assembly and balancing, the products go through a thorough quality control process. This involves checking the positioning of all the details, such as the eyes and ears, and ensuring overall balance. If any issues are found, adjustments are made to meet the required standards.

Once the quality control is complete, the products are washed with powder soap and disinfected, ensuring they are ready for sale or storage. The entire process requires skill and craftsmanship, with the carvers considering themselves as artists. Unfortunately, the episode does not provide specific information regarding the time it takes to complete each step or the overall duration of the process.