Found object assemblage, reclaimed creations or garbage design—whatever you choose to call it—the trend to upcycle, repurpose and transform discarded materials is gaining momentum.
Fans of NBC’s Making It reality crafting show know that this season’s Master Maker excelled at upcycling. In his contestant application, Adam Kingman said “I’m most keen on turning discarded items into something unexpected… something a little useful, almost magical”. He demonstrated several innovative ways to reuse materials in the projects he made during the show. Used climbing ropes, for instance, were repurposed into lampshades, door mats and even furniture. Kingman’s focus on “clever solutions with a sustainable footprint” was cited as one of the reasons he was awarded the top spot.
A recent exhibition at the Chester Art Center in Nova Scotia showcased Johnston Foster’s found object assemblage work. Entitled Olde Growth, this body of work consisted of 9 splendid sculptures.
My favorite was this striking work called Maze Cutter.
Foster’s Maze Cutter is amazing—the bull is majestic, fierce and intense.
As I looked more closely, an astonishing secret was revealed! The sculpture is made of chair backs, table legs, wooden spindles and various other bits of furniture screwed together with drywall screws.
As stated in the exhibition program “Pulling from his immense inventory of salvaged/repurposed objects and materials, Foster has reduced the sculptural medium of his production to a single material: discarded and broken wooden furniture. …His initial attraction to discarded and broken wooden furniture was its abundance and variety in form, texture and malleability. … Foster could not ignore the history, experience and energy each piece of furniture contained”. Here’s a closer look at some of the components incorporated into his works.
Foster’s reclaimed sculptures were inspired by anatomy, mythology and the animal kingdom. Hindu methodology, for instance, includes Garuda which is a legendary bird or bird-like creature with a mix of eagle and human features. This is Foster’s Garuda.
El-ahrairah is a rabbit folk hero from Richard Adams’ book Watership Down. This is Foster’s sculpture El Ahrairah.
Fenrir is the most infamous of the many wolves in Norse mythology. According to author Daniel McCoy, Fenrir ran “throughout the world with his lower jaw against the ground and his upper jaw in the sky, devouring everything in his path”. This ferocious sculpture is Foster’s The Fenrir.
It’s fascinating to see broken furniture transformed into stunning sculptures but there’s a deeper message to be considered. As explained in his artist statement, “Foster’s material of choice and in turn his creations reflect on our environmental cross roads, globalization, notions of craft and the consequences of uninhibited consumerism. These assemblages are meant to inspire a sense of magic and wonder but also offer critical self-reflection.” Perhaps this is the message behind his piece called The Fork in the Road. This 10-foot long, two-headed snake was displayed in the center of the gallery floor.
Some time ago, I had the opportunity to view a similar exhibition of reclaimed creations. Artist Sayaka Ganz’s working material of choice was discarded plastic. Her artist statement explained “I use plastics because of the variety of curvilinear forms and colors that are available. I manipulate and assemble them together as brush strokes to create an effect similar to a van Gogh painting but in three-dimensional form.”
This artist has a unique connection with the reclaimed materials she uses for her sculptures. “From a young age, Sayaka Ganz was influenced by the Japanese Shinto belief that all objects and organisms have spirits, and if these objects are discarded before their time they weep inside the trash bin. This idea is the foundation that has shaped Sayaka and her sculptures. Her strong artistic voice is expressed through her exclusive use of objects that have been discarded. … She finds the process of reclamation and regeneration liberating.” A closer look reveals the secret of Sayaka Ganz’s work.
Circling back to NBC’s Making It winner, Adam Kingman presents this thought-provoking challenge under Garbage Design on his website: “How can we raise awareness of what we throw in the garbage? Furthermore, can we take a surplus of unexpected, single use items, and create a positive conversation starter? Our planet is riddled in garbage and plastic. I’ve designed outdoor gear for the past five years and have come to realize very few of us need more of anything. We already have what we really need. On a long drive through West Texas, I was upset with the rubbish strewn across the landscape. What’s the fate of this garbage? the planet? our outlook on it all?”
More Info
Finding new ways to use old, discarded materials is an ongoing theme here on FanningSparks’ blog. I’ve decided to add a new REPURPOSE sub-category in the MAKE section. Check it out to see all my blog posts which share ideas for transforming, upcycling and repurposing.
NBC’s Making It is a lighthearted competition series, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, which celebrates the creativity and craftiness in all of us. You can learn more about Adam Kingman, season 3 Master Maker, on his website or Instagram account.
Johnston Foster is an American artist living in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Check out his website and Instagram account. His exhibition, Olde Growth, was hosted by the Chester Art Center in Nova Scotia.
Sayaka Ganz was born in Japan and grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong. You can learn more on her website or Instagram account.
Today’s Takeaways
.1. “These assemblages are meant to inspire a sense of magic and wonder but also offer critical self-reflection.”
.2. Consider the “consequences of uninhibited consumerism”.
.3. Look for ways to use old, discarded materials.
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