October 28, 2008

One world

A mish mash of a post today centering on sustainability. What matters? Reducing and Rethinking our choices as they impact our planet.


As artists what can we do? Repurpose, Reuse, Recreate.

I made a tiny, hand-sewn stocking using pieces of salvaged damask from a ruined table cloth, vintage rick rack and a sparkly vintage button.



What else?

Mark and I spent Saturday morning scavenging the local metal scrap yard. Mark was looking for pieces to build a hydraulic press for his shop, I was thinking artistic sculpture....

Plenty to choose from...


The coal cart would make a charming yard planter...
Do you see the cows in the distance?


? Base for coffee table....these wheels are so cool!


Backdrop: Smith Rock

19 comments:

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

Darling little stocking!

A day at the scrap yard...how fun!!

Sherry said...

It's that cycle that really makes art purposeful. That's why I love incorporating everyday objects in my work.

I am now beginning to source reclaimed sterling for my work.

A thoughtful post, thanks.

nichole said...

Very inspiring!

jewelstreet said...

I try to do my part. I reuse old electrical wire and anything else I can find. Plus, I recycle my bits and bobs of copper I have left over.

Anonymous said...

I'm just staggered by the image on the Steven Voss CNN video (and that no one commented on the video thus far). Is that a PERSON floating in the MSG byproduct waste? Is it a mannequin? And to think the company is upfront about polluting the water, because it's bringing jobs to the hinterlands. Good for you for publicizing these atrocities in the midst of the beauty you create and the mountains by which you live.

High Desert Diva said...

A mannequin.

It's always interesting to see who will comment, and what the comment will be about.

I've only had about 35 blog hits since publishing this morning, not many people are commenting at all.

Judi FitzPatrick said...

Wow, that video and message is very distressing; seems like China is doing what the US allowed many years ago. We've cleaned up our waterways; hopefully they will do the same and stop this assault on our planet.

At the same time you've shared such a lovely little stocking made from upcycled materials; a great example for all of us.

Thank you for presenting both sides of this issue.

Peace, Judi

Shalana, the funky felter said...

I love the idea of visiting the scrap yard. I'll have to bring that up to my husband some time who is quite mechanically inclined and creative. It would be a fun and purposeful day out :) Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

what a cool adventure to the scarp yard -- looks like you found some great stuff!

Chelsey - The Paper Mama said...

Great post! Love the idea of visiting the scrap yard!

The stocking is ADORABLE! I love it!

-chelsey

Mrs.French said...

tge stocking is perfect! such an important post.

Victoria said...

Wonderful post Charmaine. The images in the video are shocking and heartbreaking. I thank you for sharing it.

The little stocking is adorable, and that scrap yard is one cool looking place to find inspiration.

My Inspired Reality said...

Love the whole concept of recycling - we all need to be doing it more:)

Bonbon Oiseau said...

you are so right---i'm a big fan of all those r's and can always try harder to do more--wish i could come to that scrapyard though...
oh and have been meaning to tell you that i love your 5 r's logo as well!

LazyTcrochet said...

Great finds. Love the stocking!

Hey Harriet said...

Wish I had a scrap yard to visit. Don't have anything like that around here.

Unknown said...

You are truly an inspiration, always able to see the beauty in everything and turn the unsusal into the beautiful! The idea of the coal cart planter is like the visual equivalent of an oxymoron -- you will have "clean coal"! I highly encourage you to do that and then definitely do a write up on it, that would get a lot of hits I bet!

A Wild Thing said...

I wish we could go to the local landfill and pick it, but not allowed, however, the junkyard may be a possibility...I know the owner...hmmmm...thanks for the idea.

It is so time for people to wake up. Don't know about you, but I have recycled all my adult life and am happy to do it. Tis not drudgery for this 'ol gal.

See you at Two Dog Pond, can't wait for your entry...ha!

sharon

Unknown said...

ah, yes. this is my kinda living. turning stuff into other stuff. love it.