When Trash Becomes Art

There is a popular saying on the record that states, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” What most people don’t see is that, the saying can be taken quite literally. When people hear the term “art” they often think of highly compounded pieces, such as: Picasso or Goya. What most people don’t realize is that art is all around us, in everything we do, and is something that we create every day unknowingly.

My first salvage art piece was done on impulse after walking through a store and spotting a wooden thread rack. I quickly assembled an idea and took items I had saved for years, including: bottle caps, feathers, magazine clippings, and even articles of clothing. I painted the piece as a finishing touch and decided that the artwork I created could make a specific statement. I then realized that to be an artist I didn’t have to be Van Gough, I simply had to follow what was in my heart.

The salvage artist as a creative individual will grow more confident after their first piece of artwork is completed; realizing that trash can literally become art. Soda cans can be painted and attached to pieces, as well as flower petals, pieces of wood and old Halloween masks!

If you are looking to take up a new hobby or pastime, please be environmentally conscious and use the things around you. We are here to take care of the earth and recycle the wonderful resources it has given us!

Original artwork by Spinella, photos courtesy Harley Cardinal.

Madelene Spinella is a recent graduate from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. While attending USF, she wrote for the school paper, The Oracle, which included articles about local fashion and entertainment events in the Tampa, Florida area. She currently works as Pharmacy Technician and enjoys hobbies such as salvage art, reading, traveling, and promoting a vegetarian lifestyle.

When Trash Becomes Art is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

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