The novel idea sparked a wealth of others. How to recycle mundane or broken things we normally throw away, to create not only useful items, but beautiful items.
As someone who admittedly spends too much on shiny objects, from jewelry to candleholders, I like the idea of recycling objects in order to satiate my need for art. Even in high school I remember doing “found objects” projects in which we were forced to use everyday discarded trash to create our pieces. While many of the projects online are aimed at children, there are many adult artists and craftsmen who are inspired by the same techniques. Many of these pieces are both fun and useful, from bags and boxes, to bowls and frames. Some places, like the ReStore, which sells recycled building materials, host art shows. Their annual one in Seattle showcases the range of recycled expression, from sculpture to fashion.
But some of the best eco-friendly art isn’t recycled at all. Artists like Britain Andy Goldsworthy and Indian Sudarshan Patnaik, who teamed up with Green Peace earlier this year, create what are called “Earthworks” or Land Art. By using all-natural materials in their natural environment, these artists create beautiful sculptures and installations that, more often than not, are still subject to natural forces and are destroyed as quickly as they were made.
There are some great reasons to create recycled art yourself, one being gifts. Homemade gifts are much more personal that something manufactured, and not only will it save you money, but you’ll have fun doing it. Even if you’re not that great an artist, homemade cards work just as well. By creating your own cards and wrapping paper from recycled stock, you save on the amount of paper product used during the holiday season.
Green and recycled jewelry is also a great idea. Recycled gemstones and found objects like shells and bamboo make beautiful and wearable pieces for any occasion.
Eco-friendly and recycled art need not be as ‘trashy’ as many people think. Next time you’re about to throw out a candy wrapper, think of what it could be, besides in a landfill.
I am an junior English major/ Philosophy minor at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Currently I am spending the spring of 2009 studying at the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.
When I moved to Germany 6 years ago, I had to get rid of many empty boxes that were a bit damaged. So I cut them, and while cutting them, I came up with a great idea: I made a coffee table and a seat out of cardboard. Of course I left my “furniture” there when I came back to the States 6 months ago.
I love these kinds of objects I have an ash tray made from old sprite cans I got at a festival, they had all sorts of things, even a chest of drawers covered in old drinks cans that looked very striking.
Any links to sites where we could find project ideas? One thing I ALWAYS do is wrap my packages for people in newspaper – in the comic pages if i can. That way I’m not wasting paper, and my friends get a laugh from the comics. I also like to use a dried flower or a little bouquet in place of a bow!
I love recycled art. I think it’s a great emotional outlet to see something about to be discarded and then resurrect it in perhaps a totally different object than it once was. You get to feel clever and artistic all in one go.
I love it too. When I was on holiday earlier in the year I came across a shop that sold fair trade recycled art and jewellery. I was absolutely hooked and I have tried a number of projects myself in the last few months. You are quite right, it doesn’t have to look trashy.
I think for a start we can just pick any waste object and think of what all it can be used for…this will give so many ideas and yes..this can be an interesting fun activity for kids too….