BBB.Gallery - Recycled Art

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Art can be a very personal thing and sometimes you cannot appreciate a piece of art because you cannot make a connection. As my wife and I meet other artist at art and craft shows I often find there are one or two artist from each show that I have a strong connection to.  Recently it was a husband and wife collaboration team.  The two collaborate and learn from each other, each bringing their different strengths, evolving their Steampunk art.  Initially starting with small jewelry pieces, they have evolved into elaborate technology infused sculptures that at times are functional and at other times are just pure fun.  Their sculptures can connect with you on a sentimental level, or on a pure appreciation of the creative imagination.  I find the most elaborate pieces are art improvisations.  It is also not hard to appreciate the recycled aspect of their pieces, which rescues once highly functional technology and memorializes them in a piece of art.  

As taken from their website, re purpose / re imagine / re cycle / re use /re envision

I feel the recycled aspect is something I connect with when I view the lamps and sculptures of BBB.gallery, but I also connect with the concept of creating something new out of something that already exists. The concept of building upon past accomplishments is at the root of any creative process and is not exclusive to the artistic process. This reminds me of one of my favorite books on Innovation, “ Where Good Ideas Come From” by Stephen Johnson. The premise of this book is that innovation does not happen out of thin air. Innovation occurs by leveraging other discoveries and fitting together existing components. This is part of the theory of the Adjacent Possible that was first described by the scientist Stuart Kauffman. He described the Adjacent Possible in biological and evolutionary terms and the book applies these theories to other types of innovation examples in history.

I feel that Bartholomews' Brilliant Boxes connects with people because people are connected with the individual components that are reassembled into a new piece or art. The added whimsy and creativity enhance that connection and the new creation then becomes more than just a clock or a lamp.

I think recycled art also has the potential to make us think about how we consume and discard products and whether value can be extended beyond it’s original purpose.

 

MORE ART

Evan Chambers / Pasadena, CA

Here is another artists my wife and I met that remind me of some of Bartholomews' Brilliant Boxes .

http://www.evanchambersobjects.com/tentacles-shop/

We met this artist the first time at the annual Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington DC. His lamp fixtures are truly one of a kind creations of metal, glass and electricity. The Smithsonian show is very exclusive and this artist received one of a handful of best in show awards. Be sure to be view his art and learn more about his next show on his website.

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Relojearte - “Timeless Art”

This artist continues a family tradition by creating intricate designs with recyclable watch parts. One of his themes is musical instruments which provides a natural relationship to timing references made with the watch parts. Other themes include cars and motorcycles as well a boats. He can often be found at local craft fairs in the Washington DC area. Check out his show schedule and see his works first hand.

http://relojearte.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Relojearte

Turtle Point Driftwood

This former High School shop teacher has turned his retirement towards reusing found wood. He uses the unique characteristics of each piece to assemble unbelievable pieces of art. Check out his show schedule and see his works in person.

Other Recycled Art and Craft

Here are a few more arts and crafts that have a recycle and reuse theme. These are currently popular at Art and Craft fairs.

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