Upcycle art is the process of turning waste into art forms. They can be in form of pictures, sculptures, or installation
A popular form of upcycling involves creating art with items of waste. However while aesthetic is objective, one may find there are only a few exceptional upcycle art pieces.
Sometimes we may find a piece of junk simply got "upcycled" into another of junk which end up in the landfill or in many cases, create more carbon emission during the upcycling process. So we have to ask "What Can Be Considered A Good Upcycle Art?" to make the whole idea sensible.
What To Consider In Upcycle Art
Generally, upcycling arts are expected to provide social impact, on top of mere artistic pleasure. Therefore, here are some of the perspectives to observe in the objective as well as the process of upcycle art:
- Durability – how long will the upcycled item be kept out of the waste stream? Or they will become another disposable item that defeats the purpose?
- Production process - will there be excessive carbon imprints incurred during the creation process? For example, excessive new accessories added, complicated production involving energy consumption, polluting process, non-biodegradable materials, etc.
- Social Impact – does the upcycled art piece deliver a meaningful message to the audience?
- Utility – is the upcycled item useful? Does it serve a genuine and/or meaningful purpose?
- Recyclability and reusability – if the item has a particular function, can it be recycled or further upcycled when it is no longer needed in its current form?
It may be difficult for an upcycling item to meet all these requirements but they are useful guidelines for artists or creators to observe. They also positively stimulate our creativity and imagination for good upcycling.
The Art Of Upcycling
While many art and craft projects only provide waste with a short respite from the rubbish bin, art can be a good form of upcycling. Some upcycling artists create a visual impact that inspires viewers' awareness of environmental issues. Others use materials which are otherwise trashed into beautiful drawings, sculptures, or art pieces instead of using traditional non-recyclable new materials such as paint, paper, clay, metal, glass, etc.
While many art and craft projects only provide waste with a short respite from the rubbish bin, art can be a good form of upcycling. Some upcycling artists create a visual impact that inspires viewers' awareness of environmental issues. Others use materials which are otherwise trashed into beautiful drawings, sculptures, or art pieces instead of using traditional non-recyclable new materials such as paint, paper, clay, metal, glass, etc.
Upcycling is nothing new
Humans have been practicing upcycling since the dawn of civilization. For example, people upcycle clothing and scraps of fabrics to create colorful patchwork of quilts, curtains, or carpets. Or turning bricks from torn-down buildings to become pathways and stairs on the hillside.
Unfortunately, materialization in modern days de-minds our creativity. Instead of making simple tools from whatever material handy as our grandmother did, we go direct to stores and stuff our homes with various gadgets. And this also de-minds our joy in life, isn't it?
Do you have any idea about upcycling? Please share with us.
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