From Waste to Win: Everyday Art at its Best

Anyone can be an artist. That’s right, even YOU! You just need a little bit of creativity and have the ability to see things that other people might not. I’ve been on a bit of an upcycling kick recently and that’s what led me to find some incredible pieces of upcycled art.

Art is everywhere. Embrace it.

Let’s take a look at some examples of our favorite ‘Everyday Artists’ – who make brilliant works of art with normal, day to day objects.

Javier Perez creates beautifully simplistic designs with items you wouldn’t typically associate with art.

Take an empty grape vine, for example. Most would just thoughtlessly discard without considering what it could become.

Look at what Javier’s done. It’s so simplistic, but it works really well.

A happy-go-lucky boy, enjoying the autumn sun underneath a leafless tree, OR an empty grape vine strategically positioned on a sheet of paper.

I suppose it depends on your imagination.

Upcycling ideas

A lovely day to relax in the park…

Photo credit: Javier Perez

There’s more from Javier, take a look at the same, carefree chap, this time, caught in a flash storm.  Again, it’s just so simple – anyone can replicate this spaghetti picture – but it’s so effective.

That’s why we love it!

Upcycling Ideas

Not quite shorts and t-shirt weather…

Photo credit: Javier Perez

One more from Javier, unfortunately, this one doesn’t feature our young friend as the previous two have.

But it is another really simple one that can easily be replicated.

This bonfire pencil sharpening image is brilliant. Through squinted eyes it looks amazing, and the black background turns up the intensity levels by a notch or two.

I think the thing I like most about this one in particular, is that Javier or anyone else, could make this again, but never get it looking exactly the same.

It’s magical. It’s unique.

Recycled art

Pencil shaving bonfire

Photo credit: Javier Perez

recycled art

“Floppy disk? What’s a floppy disk?!”

I suppose it depends on who you are and what you do (and of course, how old you are).

For Nick Gentry floppy disks are NOT a thing of the past; but a thing of the future. They’re his tools, his artistic psyche.

Nick paints each floppy disk individually, before assembling his montage to unveil a masterpiece.

Upcycled art 5

Nothing ‘floppy’ about this!

Photo credit: Nick Gentry

Here’s one of Nick in action

Photo credit: Nick Gentry

Erika Iris Simons is another contemporary artist creating masterpieces from everyday objects.

Her tool of choice? Old cassette and VHS tapes.

Can you guess the celebrities she has created in these pieces?

Erika must have had a Hard Day’s Night creating this one…

Upcycled art 6

Photo credit: Erika Iris Simons

You’ll be All Along The Watchtower trying to work this one out…

Upcycled art  7

Photo credit: Erika Iris Simons

You won’t have to Get Up, Stand Up to work this one out…

Upcycling ideas

Photo credit: Erika Iris Simons

The thing we love about our three featured artists is their creativity. These are everyday items that can be fashioned to create something totally different to their original purpose.

Who would have thought an empty grape vine or cassette tapes would make such intriguing pieces of art?

Not us, that’s for sure.

Written by Chris Rowson;  Managing Director of eCO2 Greetings and Ecard Shack, the corporate ecard specialists.

About

Nikki is an author and writer specializing in green living ideas and tips, adventure travel, upcycling, and all things eco-friendly. She's traveled the globe, swum with sharks and been bitten by a lion (fact). She lives in a tiny town with a fat cat and a very bad dog.

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