I am very concerned with the environmental state of the world. We are living in an ongoing extinction event, otherwise known as the sixth mass extinction. Not only are we experiencing it, we are the cause. Living in a materialistic world, we indulge in consumerism, not thinking about the negative effects it causes. Through my art, I highlight ways in which we can be more resourceful and sustainable. I have experimented with making my own natural pigments, repurposing found objects, using trash as a medium, and even creating thread out of my own hair.
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Ecobench
7 1/2 ft x 3ft x 3 ft
Ecobricks, Repurposed Door, Wood, and Drawers, Silicone, Natural Blackberry Stain
2022
One of Ecobench's main components are ecobricks. Ecobricks are a very resourceful way to help get plastics out of the environment. They are plastic bottles compacted very tightly with bits of non biodegradable pieces of trash, which mostly ends up being plastics. Each bottle is stuffed until there is no more room, that means when it is squeezed it doesn't cave in at all. Due to the compactness, these bottles are very sturdy. I have decided to create a bench with them, while other countries are building schools and houses with them. Their sturdiness is something that is very astounding to me and I wanted to emulate that feeling to my audience by creating a functional bench.
Along with the usage of ecobricks, I wanted to create this bench with only repurposed materials. As an artist it is important to me to show my audience that you don't need access to fancy art materials and tools to create.
Au Naturale
4ft x 5ft
Ash, Blackberry Juice, Cherry Juice, Charcoal, Flour, Hair, Matcha Powder, Rust, Vanilla Extract
2021
When I created Au Naturale I wanted to use natural mediums and unconventional artist tools. My favorite aspect of this tapestry is the thread I made out of my own hair. I collected my hair that fell out in the shower and braided a few strands together at a time, which produced a strong thread (not to mention, free thread too). As mentioned previously, I aim to create naturally and resourcefully.
Au Naturale uses natural mediums/easily accessible pigments to inspire the audience to use what they have around them to create art. In the making of this piece, no fancy artist tools were used. All pigments were either applied using a cut up kitchen sponge or my fingers.