The world of contemporary art has seen a remarkable resurgence in the innovative practice of transforming discarded materials into awe-inspiring sculptures. Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, a new generation of artists is breathing new life into the most unlikely of objects, creating captivating works that challenge our notions of value, beauty, and the very nature of art itself.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
At the forefront of this upcycled artistry is the remarkable work of European artist Stéphanie Kilgast, whose delicate and meticulously crafted sculptures serve as a vibrant commentary on the fragility of our natural world. Kilgast’s artistic journey began with a personal awakening, as she recounts, “In 2014, a friend of mine told me about the impact of meat production on the environment, which prompted me to drastically reduce my intake of meat until going vegetarian and then mostly vegan. This change and realization of our environmental impact pushed me to rethink my life and consumption habits as a whole, and it was such a drastic change of mind and life that I had to talk about it somehow in my work.”
Breathing New Life into Discarded Materials
Kilgast’s artistic practice is a testament to the transformative power of the humble and the forgotten. Drawing inspiration from the wealth of discarded materials that populate our modern world, she breathes new life into objects ranging from recycled plastic and aluminum cans to glass and a myriad of other retired materials. “Humanity produces new items every day,” Kilgast observes. “Some are useful, and some are decorative; the others are meant to protect the former. We keep piling new things over objects that already exist, getting rid of the old faster than ever. Every object production requires energy, time, and raw materials. Yet most of it is deemed trash almost as soon as it’s used. I take these wonders of modern industry and upcycle them into art.”
The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and her keen eye for repurposing the discarded are evident in every piece she creates. From delicate, intricate flowers blooming atop the remains of aluminum cans to vibrant ecosystems thriving amidst the relics of our consumer culture, Kilgast’s sculptures stand as powerful testaments to the resilience of the natural world and the urgent need to protect it.
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the hallmarks of Kilgast’s upcycled artistry is her embrace of the unexpected. Rather than adhering to a predetermined plan, the artist often allows the materials themselves to guide the creative process. “Sometimes an idea starts with an object, but often it’s the other way around,” she explains. “I want to do a certain animal or plant and I’m looking for what object could work with it.”
This open-ended approach to her craft allows Kilgast to uncover hidden gems within the discarded, transforming the seemingly mundane into the captivating. “I keep a rather big ‘trash drawer’ where I keep objects that I find interesting. I like to thrift objects as well, as it can be fun to use. It adds a layer of meaning to the sculpture.”
Nurturing Environmental Consciousness
Kilgast’s commitment to environmental advocacy extends beyond the creation of her sculptures. The artist has actively participated in various collaborative initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the urgent need to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems. One such endeavor is the “For Planet Ocean” art challenge, which she co-hosted with dozens of other artists in June 2023. The challenge, which featured weekly art prompts on Instagram, partnered with Project Seagrass, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of marine habitats.
“At the core, all my work is about the environmental impact of human activities, so I don’t necessarily search for specific collaborations,” Kilgast explains. “I see my work more as a nudge to make people rethink their habits. I’m also not in denial about it, I know my reach is fairly limited, but maybe I can reach and touch one hundred people, and the next artist will be able to reach one hundred as well, and that scientist with its book, a thousand, and so on.”
Confronting Misconceptions and Embracing New Frontiers
Kilgast’s upcycled sculptural practice is not without its challenges, as she has had to navigate the relatively new territory of mixed media art. “Mixed media sculptures are very new in terms of art history, so there’s not much information out there on how to use all the modeling clays that exist. Everything is fairly recent and new territory. It’s not like oil paint that has been around for ages.”
Undaunted by these obstacles, Kilgast has embraced a spirit of experimentation and exploration, expanding the boundaries of her craft. “On top of that, sculpting is really hard because you have to factor in structure, flexibility, strength, and weight. You can’t just sculpt anything, you have to think on how to approach a sculpture upfront and depending on which material you are using, the thinking differs.”
In addition to her sculptural prowess, Kilgast has also incorporated other artistic mediums, such as painting, into her practice. “I also paint, and especially enjoy the use of watercolors, so I’ve been implementing the use of paper and watercolors in my work more and more.”
The Resilience of the Creative Spirit
Kilgast’s artistic journey has not been without its challenges, as she candidly shares, “I am honestly struggling more with burnout/depression these days. The coloring book was intense and I dived right back into work after it, which in hindsight was probably not the smartest idea. My cat also died last October and I’m still grieving, so now I’m an unmotivated lump and slowly trying to rest and be extra kind so I can get back into a more happy, creative self.”
Despite these setbacks, Kilgast remains steadfast in her commitment to her craft, drawing inspiration from the resilience of the natural world she seeks to protect. “Maybe it’s going to sound sad, but not really 🙂 I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot already and I just hope I can continue to make art that is still interesting and relevant. I like my life how it is right now. I’ve been incredibly lucky, so I just hope this will continue!”
As Kilgast continues to push the boundaries of upcycled artistry, her work serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of creativity and the profound impact that artists can have in shaping a more sustainable future. By breathing new life into discarded materials and imbuing them with a captivating sense of vitality, Kilgast’s sculptures stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the intrinsic value of the natural world. For aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike, Kilgast’s journey offers a wellspring of inspiration, inviting us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to harness the power of recycled materials to create works that transcend the conventional and inspire a profound appreciation for our shared home.
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024