Assemblage

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ASSEMBLING NEW LIFE FROM A THROW-AWAY CULTURE

In this world of easy come, easy go we seem to have no patience or time for

things beyond their initial use. This throw-away culture does not encourage the

making of or repairing things. Therefore, there is a surplus of discarded items

readily available for repurposing into art.

Making assemblage art is our way of creatively reimagining these readily

available items. Having  an opportunity to give new life to these lost objects

stored and forgotten in garages. This is our way of reanimating the old and

shaping new characters and stories.

Growing  up in a culture where parents and grandparents did not easily let

go of things. This practice of conservation was promoted during the great

depression and world wars. Cans and jars were reused in creative ways. Items

were repaired or repurposed before they would even be considered trash.

Clothing, and toys, would be passed down to the next child in line.

One of the roles of an artist is to breathe life into the unanimated, as Geppetto’s

role in making Pinocchio. The artisan gave function to wood by building a chair

or table. Artists move beyond utilitarian objects and make masks, sacred

objects, and costumes to help tell their stories. Their creative acts were

designed to imbue these objects with spirit.

One of our favorite places to shop is reused stores. These are centers designed

to make available used items for creative up-cycled projects. Thrift stores are

also another watering hole for us. Objects get a second and third life at a

fraction of the initial cost. As society is immersed in a world of mass production

and a throw-away culture, it is reassuring to know there is a way to still take

part in this world of objects without adding to the local landfill.