The Dream Dreamed Me by Virginia Fleck, recycled plastic bags
It's been a crazy couple of weeks for me. I apologize for the lack of new content on Extreme Craft. I was speaking at ReuseConEx, the first reuse conference that brought together politicians, policy wonks, activists and artists to see how everyone could get together to promote reuse instead of merely recycling.
Reuse is less energy-intensive and more cost-effective than recycling. Houses can be deconstructed into their component parts, which can then be reused in new construction. Reuse makes sense no matter how you look at it.
Artists have been involved in reuse for as long as there have been artists. Creative reuse in art may not be the way to save the world, but it is the best way to communicate the message behind reuse. Last year, I released my first book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, which is a collection of 1000 images of jewelry, clothing, art, design and technological geekery. As a follow-up to the book, I was asked to curate an exhibition based on the book for the American Conservation Film Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
The result is Renewal Notice, which features 32 artists from the book. Featured artists include Circe Torosian, Virginia Fleck, Krista Stumph, Alicia L. Woods, Jessica Plymate (Aaorta Apparel), Caitlin Phillips (Rebound Designs), Claire Joyce, Mandy Curl (Mandinka Designs), Marcy Bruce (Mae Henry), Sweater Hospital by fibrevolution, Kelly Wakefield-Beytia (Tresijas), Becky Johnson (Sweetie Pie Press), Valerie William, Christine Terrell, Dana Damm, Globalcoolo by Patrizia Iacino, Harriete Estel Berman, Juliet Ames (The Broken Plate Pendant Company), Kristin Lora, Monica Topping (Rock Chick Designs), Dan Jones (Tinkerbots), Henry Owings, Jim Rosenau (This into That), Jeff Davis (Vinylux), Christine Claringbold (Eye Pop Art), Boris Bally, Amanda Siska (Bread and Badger), Bryant Holsenbeck, Pattie Chalmers, Ben Schachter, Stanton Hunter, and Margaux Lange and Hilary Pfeifer.
The Exhibition will be held from November 4-7 at the gallery of the historic War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown. Shepherdstown is located 1 1/2 hours from Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Recycle 2 Vibrant Orange Bracelet by Harriette Estelle Berman, recycled plastic (photo by Emiko Oye)
Lone Star Beer Ring by Christine Terrell, upcycled litho steel
Credit Card Cardinal by Bryant Holsenbeck, Recycled Credit Cards
Monite Man by Dan Jones (Tinkerbots), Found Objects
D.P.W. Platter by Boris Bally, re-used traffic signs, copper rivets
Since this is a film festival, I'm including a short video program in the exhibition, featuring videos by Claire Joyce, Jim Rosenau, Hilary Pfeifer, Krista Stumph and Bryant Holsenbeck.
If you live in the Washington D.C. area or in West Virginia, I'd love to see you at the festival! Contact me at garth (at) extremecraft.com if you'd like more information. There will also be a lecture and book signing on Friday, November 5th.
A big thank you goes out to all of the participating artists and the folks at the film festival. I'm looking forrard to spending a few days up in the mountains with some great art. See you in Shepherdstown!
