Trash-tastic...

 

Yes, trash-tastic is a made-up word. But still... the Upcycle 2: Turning Waste Into Wonder exhibit is pretty fantastic. It's true especially when you know the art entries had humble beginnings as items that most people throw away! Textile artist Josephine Leyte-Vidal fashioned two jackets. "Fancy Patchwork", left, and "His Jeans and Ties", right- are shown here in front of "Grouper", a wallhanging made from scrap wood and metals. The creativity on display was varied and fun.

Take, for instance, plastic bottles and packaging. They never looked so good. Artist Elizabeth Eichelberger fashioned them into "Ladybug Landing," so dainty and glass-like.

A number of pieces are metal assemblages. Andrew Nichols made "Rapanui" using a shovel head, horseshoes, and rebar. And feathers. Would you say he is fierce or friendly?

I'm always drawn to fish sculptures. This one contains all kinds of familiar objects like keys, license plates, metal roofing, and even a dog's rabies tag. "Ferromagnetic Bass" by Kenneth DeMoliner is mounted on reclaimed lumber.

"Industrial Fowl" is by David Kellner and is formed from metal strapping on a brake pad base. Check out the beak. I had to read the card info to realize it's created with pliers! It's a surprisingly graceful bird given all that metal. The red stickers on the info cards indicate that the piece has been purchased.

A second piece by Elizabeth Eichelberger is "The Tree of Life". She created it using a lampshade ring, copper wiring, and beads from a discarded necklace. Each entrant could submit two upcycled entries for consideration.

These two shadow boxes are made by Rodney Acosta. At left, "The Temple of the Sun" is assembled using a dresser pull, a painted wooden box, plastic and metal figurines, and glass bottles. At right, "The Throne of the Queen Bee" began with a resin home dec curtain holder, a painted wooden box, assorted brass trims, and metal figures.

I had my picture taken by my entry- "Bodacious Graffiti Heart". See the little red sticker? It's going home with a new owner. You can see how I made the heart in my previous post here.

Brick City Center for the Arts is located in downtown Ocala, FL, and the exhibit is still on for a few days next week. Check the link, and call ahead to confirm open hours if you'd like to see all of these entries and more. There's a lovely gift shop section in the gallery, too.