Finding Purpose with Plastic: Toubie Jack on Creativity, Community, and Plastic Art

In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, Emma is joined by artist, Toubie Jack, for a conversation about creativity, purpose, confidence, and using art as a force for positive change. Toubie shares her journey from mural artist and children's art facilitator to becoming a self-described "plastic artist", transforming unrecyclable plastic waste into striking artworks and large-scale community sculptures. What began as a lockdown experiment using discarded food packaging has evolved into a creative practice with a powerful environmental message at its heart. Together, Emma and Toubie explore the role creativity can play in helping us connect with our values, the importance of following what genuinely excites us, and how purpose often emerges through experimentation rather than careful planning. Toubie reflects on the joy she finds in creating, her passion for community engagement, and her mission to help people see the potential hidden within materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. Toubie shares the story behind her current Masters project - a giant inflatable fish made from fused plastic waste and created with contributions from hundreds of local school children. Through workshops, festivals, and community participation, she hopes to inspire people of all ages to think differently about waste, creativity and the power of collective action. About Toubie Jack Toubie Jack is a contemporary artist and creative practitioner whose work transforms unrecyclable plastic waste into artwork and community-led creative projects. Combining environmental awareness with creativity and education, Toubie's work encourages people to rethink waste and explore new possibilities through art. She is currently completing a Masters degree and developing a large-scale inflatable fish sculpture created in collaboration with local schools and community groups. Instagram: @plastic_art_studio Website: http://Www.plasticartstudio.co.uk Didsbury Arts Festival Parade 5 July 2026 https://www.didsburyartsfestival.org/ ORGANISATIONS AND PROJECTS MENTIONED Cornwall Scrapstore - https://cornwallscrapstore.co.uk/  Pencils of Promise - https://pencilsofpromise.org/  Pens for Kids - https://www.pensforkids.co.uk/  Halfords Bike Re-Cycle - https://www.halfords.com/bikes/servic... Thank you for listening to The Purposeful Shift. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe so you don't miss future conversations. Reviews, ratings, and shares help more people discover the podcast and are always greatly appreciated. You can also connect with Emma on Instagram at @thepurposefulshift. And find out about our upcoming events including a FREE online mid-year reset for women on 30 June 2026 at 4pm, Book on https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pu....