Can you believe that the life size octopus sculpture pictured above was created entirely by using plastic and other debris removed from our oceans' beaches? It is hard to believe, but unfortunately, it is true. In fact, there are so many artists these days that are creating artwork by reusing plastic waste salvaged from our planet's oceans and lakes, that the blog post this month will be a two part series. This month and next month's posts will feature 5 different artists and their work. Some of the artists have foundations or websites that explain their mission of helping the environment through creating art. You can click on the artist's name below the image to see more of their work, read their bios, and view their websites. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see some useful ideas about how you can also help reduce plastics in our environment!
Xandi Kreuzeder(tiger shark) and Angela Haseltine Pozzi(octopus above), Washed Ashore
Richard Lang and Judith Selby Lang, One Beach Plastic
The artwork created from all this plastic debris may be amazing, but it is also sobering to realize that there is this much plastic waste in our world. This in turn, affects the water we drink, and the food that we eat which comes from lakes, rivers, and seas. Perhaps these artworks will help inspire you to think differently. You might not create life size art sculptures, but is there something simple you can do to help reduce plastic waste? Any small thing you do will help! Here are 5 easy things to start with:
1. Buy reusable bags to take with you to the grocery store or shopping.
2. Buy a reusable water container, instead of single-use plastic water bottles.
3. Use paper bags instead of plastic ones.
4. Wash and re-use Ziploc type plastic bags for food, or better yet, buy washable and reusable silicone bags.
5. Say no to plastic straws and utensils when you can--you can also buy washable and reusable ones.
Next month's post will feature 5 more incredible ocean artist helpers, and 5 more easy ways to help reduce plastic consumption!
A close up from a Washed Ashore sculpture. What objects do you see?
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