Upcycling: Transforming "Waste" into Unique Artworks

Ethics and sustainabilityAbout Vegesentfor artists

3 Feb

In our vibrant artistic community, where creativity meets sustainability, upcycling has emerged as a powerful tool for artistic expression and environmental stewardship. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and waste management, let's explore how we can transform discarded materials into captivating artworks.
Understanding Upcycling in Art
Upcycling goes beyond mere recycling. While recycling breaks down materials for reprocessing, upcycling creatively repurposes items, often elevating their value and extending their lifecycle. For us artists, upcycling offers a trifecta of benefits: it reduces waste, cuts material costs, and provides unique creative challenges.
The concept isn't new to the art world. The Dada movement of the early 20th century embraced found objects.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Mai Yoshizaki (Instagram). Image courtesy: Mai yoshizaki

"I am familiar with the hazardous waste associated with art materials, especially the environmental impact of overproduction and synthetic materials. In my practice, I avoid this by repurposing discarded or overproduced items. Traditional kimonos are said to last for three generations because of their excellent craftsmanship, often outliving the people who wear them. By redesigning and reusing these kimonos, I can reduce waste and create sustainable art while honoring their long-lasting quality.

In my art practice, I focus on repurposing unused fabrics and garments to create new kimonos, giving them a second life. For example, I have transformed old denim jeans into kimonos to raise awareness about water pollution, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary environmental themes. I also work on reinventing silk kimonos, which are often left unused because there are few occasions to wear them. By redesigning these kimonos into modern, everyday clothing, I aim to make them more accessible and practical, while preserving their beauty and cultural value."

Common Materials for Upcycled Art in Helsinki

Our city offers a wealth of materials for upcycling:

Industrial scraps from the shipyards in Hernesaari
Discarded furniture from the numerous secondhand shops in Kallio
Electronic waste from collecting points in Gigantti shops
Packaging materials from the bustling markets in Hakaniemi
Natural materials like driftwood from the shores of Suomenlinna or fallen leaves from Keskuspuisto

Remember, what others see as trash can be our artistic treasure. The key is to look at these materials with fresh eyes and imagine their potential.

Techniques and Approaches

Consider these techniques in your upcycling projects:

Assemblage and Collage: Combine diverse found objects into a cohesive whole.
Repurposing: Transform an object's function, like turning old bike parts into sculptures.
Mixed Media: Incorporate upcycled elements into paintings or prints.
Installation Art: Create large-scale works using repetitive upcycled elements.
Textile Art: Repurpose old clothing or fabrics, drawing inspiration from Finland's rich textile traditions.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Milla Tarpio (instagram) Featuring artwork Made by using clay, recycled lenin, watercolors, gouache, pastels and charcoal.

 “The concept behind this piece was to use cheap and old materials. I started shaping clay, and it eventually turned into a hand. From there, I got the idea to use some old fabric I found to create "water," from which the hand would emerge, as if someone was underwater. For the base of the sculpture, I used a piece of wood I found in the recycling room. Using recycled materials is really inspiring, as working with limited resources leads to many creative ideas that might not emerge otherwise”

“Making watercolors from scratch is something I want to try in a future. In practice, you can turn almost anything into watercolor by mixing it with watercolor medium. I’ve saved old eyeshadow palettes specifically for this purpose, and I’m looking forward to using them to create unique pigments."

Getting Started with Upcycling Art

For those new to upcycling, here are some tips:

Explore Helsinki's Recycling Centers: UFF, Fida, and Kierrätyskeskus are treasure troves for materials.
Join Local Groups: Connect with Trash Design Finland or Dodo ry for workshops and inspiration.
Start Small: Begin with simple projects like creating jewelry from electronic components or mosaics from broken ceramics.
Prioritize Safety: When working with found materials, always wear appropriate protective gear and work in well-ventilated spaces.

Challenges and Considerations
While exciting, upcycling comes with its own set of challenges:
Material Limitations: You're confined to what you can find, which can be both inspiring and frustrating.
Structural Integrity: Ensure your creations are durable, especially for public or outdoor installations.
Balancing Aesthetics and Message: Strive to create visually compelling work that also communicates the importance of sustainability.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL GRESALFI (WEBSITE) Featuring "MoRe"

“I use my local online forums, such as Facebook Marketplace to find unwanted canvas art - with my focus on only "printed art" for either free or very inexpensive - and then I create my art "on top of" the printed art. Frankly, it is much cheaper than buying new framed canvas and it keeps the original material in use.

My most recent repurposed art started with the purchase of a large printed canvas of two peacocks from a person who lives around 5 miles from me. This framed print is a large 38 inch by 30 inch unwanted art which I paid $5 USD for - that is a fraction of the cost of a new framed canvas of that size.

I decided to allow small portions of the original printed picture to be viewed through a light wash“

The Impact of Upcycling on the Art Scene

Upcycling is gaining traction in Nordic galleries. The annual Kierrätystehdas (Recycling Factory) event showcases upcycled art and design, while the Habitare furniture and design fair often features upcycled pieces. Your upcycled artworks could be part of this growing movement, contributing to Helsinki's reputation as a sustainable design capital.

Artists, you have a powerful opportunity to lead the way in sustainable art! Upcycling offers a fantastic way to create meaningful art while contributing to a healthier planet. See the potential in what others discard – transform "waste" into something beautiful and thought-provoking. Your upcycled creations spark conversations about consumption and inspire change. Every piece you make is a step toward a more sustainable future, not just for Helsinki, but for the world. Embrace the challenge, explore the possibilities, and let your art make a difference. Remember, your creativity can inspire a more sustainable tomorrow, one upcycled artwork at a time.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Semra Türkmen (Instagram). Image courtesy: Semra Türkmen. Red Bird, oil painting on aspen leaf, 2021.

“One sustainable art practice that intrigues me is creating natural dyes from plants or experimenting with biodegradable, plant-based inks. While I currently use traditional inks and paints, I’m interested in further reducing my environmental footprint by exploring more natural, sustainable color sources. “