Special Topic Recycling Art

Art & Creativity in the context of Recycling and sustainability:

In this 2nd part of my studies in Education for Sustainability, I am documenting some of my research into recycling materials, used by people all over the world to create Art & Creativity projects.

My aim is to show that other people's 'rubbish' can be transformed into visually pleasing and sometimes functional Art pieces.

These artistic, creative recycling projects can also raise awareness about environmental and economic issues, educating the viewer about sustainability.


Why not just put cans, glass bottles, paper and plastic into the recycling?

Why not put these materials in the recycling? Not all materials featured in my blog are recyclable, like plastic or glass bottle (metal) tops, as they are too small for the sorting process in the recycling factory. Also not all aluminium or plastic is recyclable and tires seem to be problematic because of toxicity.
Also recycling materials uses resources as well - sometimes chemicals, as in the pulping process of paper in the recycling process or heating for melting plastic.



Some interesting information and statistics about the recycling processes in the following links:

Tires:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_recycling

http://1800recycling.com/2010/06/sea-rubber-truth-tire-recycling/

Picture sourced from: http://1800recycling.com/2010/06/sea-rubber-truth-tire-recycling/

Plastic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling

Once already recycled bottles are generally not recyclable again.

Picture sourced from: http://thetomorrowcompany.com/tag/plastic-recycling/

Aluminium: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_recycling

Picture sourced from: http://www.aluminum.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NewsStatistics/Sustainability/default.htm

Used Car tire sculptures:

Sourced from:

http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2010/02/19/15-amazing-used-tire-sculptures/

February 19th, 2010 | Inspiration |

According to Korean artist Ji Yong Ho, recycled tires help capture the spirit of the animals because “rubber is very flexible, like skin, like muscles.”

Sourced from: http://twistedsifter.com/category/best-of/page8/

Personal note:

There possibly would be additional materials used to put at least the bigger sculptures together like wire or maybe a steel framework. Smaller sculptures might just 'hold their own' better, due to the structurally quite firm material being used (tire), but there might be some glue used to stick individual tire pieces to each other. 

Recycled plastic bottles, lids & bags Art:

North pacific trash pollution article: 

This is a very informative article about what negative affect plastic has on the environment (people, animals and plants). 

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/waste-and-recycling/news-north-pacific-gyre-100-million-tons-garbage-and-growing

Plastic Vase:

Sourced from:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/caroline-saul-recycled-plastic-77628

And: 

http://www.carolinesaul.com.uk/index.html

Personal note:

Energy (heat) would be used to melt the plastic to create the vases.

Plastic bottle fish sculpture:

Sourced from:

http://clusterlation2012.tumblr.com/

Personal note:

Again - some form of structural support would have been used to create these plastic bottle fish. Most likely that would not be a material sourced from recycling (e.g. glue? wire?). 

Plastic and trash jewelry:

Sourced from: http://trendhunter.com/trends/ann-ellis

By: Ann Ellis, published August 22, 2010, updated: May 11, 2011

Personal note:

It looks to me that the artist has melted different colored plastics together (different color scheme). The wire could be re-used (recycled). 

Bottle top Art: 

Sourced from: http://www.clusterlation2012.tumblr.com/page/6

Personal note: 

The bottle caps would have been glued to some form of backing (which might not be a recycled backing). 

Knitted plastic bag ensemble:

Sourced from: 

http://madsilence.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/plastic-bag-art-the-sequel/

Personal note:

This would probably not use too many extra 'new' materials as this 2-piece garment could potentially be sewn together by plastic bag 'strips'. Buttons, belt clasp and knitting needles could be sourced from recycling (op-shop?).

Crochet plastic bag cushions:

Sourced from: 

http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/marina-gryciukatms-recycled-plastic-bags-cushions.html

Personal note:

As with 2-piece garment

Plastic bag chickens: 

Sourced from: 

http://www.indigoarts.com/store1_recycled22.html

Personal note: 

To me it looks like there was some wire used to create a framework for the plastic bag pieces. Might be recycled wire.

Recycled aluminium can Art: 

Alluminium Dragon:

Sourced from: 

http://weburbanist.com/2009/3/28/recycled-treasures-converted-into-inspired-art/

Personal note: 

This dragon definitely would have some steel framework to hold it together but it looks like he's supported by a steel frame for display.  

Can painting:

Sourced from:

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-trash-series-by-kim-alsbrooks

Personal note:

Extra, probably not recycled material used: Paint (varnish for sealant?).

Soda Can Accessories: 

Sourced from:

http:/?sportslife7.blogspot.co.nz/2009/05/weird-and-cool-stuff-made-from-bottles.html

Personal note: 

Even so some of the material looks like it has been woven, it still would need to be 'fixed' in place somehow (wire or glue?).

Aluminium can jewelry:

Sourced from:

http://www.handmadespark.com/myspark/absolutejewelry/79335250/rockstar-upcycled-aluminum-can-recycle-soda-can-jewelry-butterfly-necklace-tin-can-pop-can-art-eco-friendly-jewelry-n700

Personal note: 

Looks pretty straight forward - not sure if the bits and pieces for the rest of the necklace are recycled.

Recycled aluminium can chairs: 

Sourced from: 

http://www.environmentalgrafitti.com/green-design/news-trash-treasure-should-be-everyones-mantra?image=7

Personal note: 

Definitely would need some pressing, molding (and framework?).

Can 'openers' basket:

Sourced from: 

http://rubyreusable.com/artblog/?cat=51

Personal note:

Additional material: wire?

Can 'opener' bags:

Sourced from:

http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-style-escama-studio-aluminium-handbags/

By: Abigail Doan, 12/7/08

Personal note:

This looks very much 'self supporting' but might have to see if I find something on Google or You tube about how to make one of these. 

Glass bottle (aluminium) top Art:

Sourced from: 

http://www.indigoarts.com/store1_recycled54.html

Personal note: 

Extra material: wire

Necklace:

Sourced from:

http://sewjewerl.net/bottle-cap-jewelry-necklace/

Personal note: 

I'm not quite clear if this looks like (paper) images glued to the bottle top. If so, it would need extra glue and varnish. Beads could be recycled but chains look new.

Bottle top and 'can opener' bull head: 

Sourced from: 

http://www.aparmenttherapy.com/trash-exhibit-makes-garbage-in-138266

Sculpture by: Al Wadzinski; title: Trails of Beers

Personal note: 

Either a framework under the materials or glued or both. 

More bottle top art: 

Sourced from:

http://weburbanist.com/2011/01/18/bottle-caps-31-reasons-to-create-gorgeous-recycled-crafts/

Personal note: 
Definitely glued onto a support (framework, furniture).




Bottle top installation: 

Sourced from:

http://www.glenwoodnyc.com/manhattan-living/el-anatsui-gravity-and-grace-exhibition-brooklyn-museum/

Artist: El Anatsui

Personal note: 

The first one looks like the bottle tops are connected together with wire. The second one on the wall could be made the same, both ending up looking like a 'piece of cloth'. 

And a couple of different recycled materials:

Bullet shell dress: 

Sourced from: 

http://www.inhabitat.com/montreal-artists-transform-post-consumer-trash-into-beautiful-fashion/

Personal note: 
Stitched together?

Foil food container tops: 

Sourced from" 

http://rubyreusable.com/artblog/?cat=51

Personal note:
Glued together and onto black backing?

Recycled transistors from computer memory boards:

Sourced from: 

http://seattletimes.com/html/living/2004014308_trashfash15.html

Personal note: 
To me it looks a bit like these have been glued (?) onto an existing jacket?

Suspended, recycled buttons:

Sourced from: 

http://clusterlation2012.tumblr.com/page/4

Personal note: 

String and possible framework? Glue?

Shoe chair:

Sourced from: 

http://www.outsapop.com/2008/04/make-art-not-trash-trashion-links.html

Artist: Willie Cole; title: 'Made in the Pilippines'. 

Personal note: 

A framework of sorts for the shoes is visible (front left corner). 

Rubbish arranged to create Art in shadows:

Sourced from:

http://clusterlation2012.tumblr.com/page/5

Artists: Sue Webster & Tim Noble

Personal note: 

This to me looks like it took a lot of patience. Probably hasn't got a framework under the pile of rubbish.

Drink bottle furniture:

Sourced from: 

http://newint.org/blog/majority/2009/09/03/innovation/

Personal note: 

Glued together? + added support.

Recycled ceramic dress:

Sourced from: 

Facebook page: Museum and Art Gallery & Events's Exhibitions

Artist: Li Xiaofeng

Personal note:

Glued to a mannequin?

Overview: 

The purpose of this visual display of using Art & Creativity in the context of recycling materials is that, by publicly exhibiting these artworks, the viewer is encouraged to question what he/she is looking at and to ponder about sustainability and hence, about environmental/social/economic issues. These artistic creations can transmit a very clear (visual) message.

These incredibly creative and inventive creations could also inspire other artists, who are using more traditional materials such as commercially produced paint, to re-use existing materials, that normally would become landfill or are being reprocessed / recycled.

Information in more details about these art pieces I added to my blog can be found through the links I included with each picture. 

The wonderful thing about these creations is that they quite clearly speak for themselves through the use of the chosen materials, which happen to be very commonly used materials, hence people can relate to them easily. The only exception to this would probably be the dress made from bullet shells, as not many people use guns on a daily basis. 

I added a 'personal note' under the pictures about what I thought might be some additional materials used to create these works. 

I left out paper as a recycling material as it has been widely used for quite some time and seems to be well known. 

This is something my students often tell me when I suggest paper mache or paper pulp: 'Oh - that's what we did do / or have used in Kindergarten and School'. 

Art & Creativity can be (used as) a powerful visual language and tool towards Education for Sustainability. 

Sand sculptures: 

I will add a few pictures of 'sand-sculptures', which are not truly in the category of recycling (as sand is not a pre-used material) or even permanent art pieces (they are in the category of site-specific art, which is often temporary) but - they can also inspire people to realize that, at no or very low cost (economically sustainable), by using naturally available materials, great art can be created and shared. It is also environmentally sustainable as no pollution is caused. 

Wiki on site specific art: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Site-specific_art

These images are from a Facebook album:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150293986343955&set=a.10150293967343955.351573.778163954&type=1&theater

of one of my friends, Walter McDonald: 

https://www.facebook.com/amazinwalter

- pictured here with one of his sandcastles: 

And some pictures of other (unnamed) artist's sand-sculptures from his album:

IMGP7089, Artist's name not mentioned 

IMGP7083, Artist’s name not mentioned

IMPG7145, Artist’s name not mentioned

IMGP7044, Artist’s name not mentioned

IMGP7060, Artist’s name not mentioned

And how is this for economically sustainable art practice:

Dusty Car Window Art; Retrieved from:

http://coolamazingarts.blogspot.co.nz/2009/10/strange-and-dirty-art-on-car-window.html

And a similar creative idea:

Retrieved from:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=472037292851973&set=o.289678121134244&type=1&theater

Sourced from Fb page: ‘You just broke the internet via All Fired Up, March 18, 2013.

An other example of site specific Art; economically and environmentally sustainable: 

Andy Goldsworhy:

http://www.empowernetwork.com/ashleywebb/blog/the-art-of-andy-goldsworthy-frees-from-the-filters-of-your-mind/andy-goldsworthy-touching-north-north-pole-1989/

1.5.13

I've just got permission from one of my students to post a picture on my blog, which shows her 'sustainable art practice':

This is the most wonderful example of 'recycling' success in my art class.

The materials my student used were:

The cardboard, inner rolls of toilet paper and the wooden frame is a now up-cycled screen printing frame (size about 45 x 45 cm), which was destined to be 'chucked out' but got 'rescued' before that happened.

She also used some black and white acrylic paint and varnish (very little of it; not recycled material).

This has been my only student so far who has taken up my suggestion to use these particular materials for a project but hopefully her wonderful success will inspire more students to 'give it a go'.

I hope my student will show her work to plenty of people she knows, because:
a) It's a beautiful artwork;
b) It might inspire more people to use materials in a 'recycling' way;
c) It might get people to think about using materials that aren't the usually ready-made materials available to buy in Art Shops.