In a world dominated by mass production and rampant consumerism, the art of upcycling stands as a beacon of creativity and environmental consciousness. In our 15 years installing… Across the globe, a growing community of artists is breathing new life into discarded materials, transforming the discarded and forgotten into awe-inspiring sculptures that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.
At the forefront of this movement is Stéphanie Kilgast, a European artist whose intricate creations seamlessly blend form and function, celebrating the resilience of the natural world. Kilgast’s sculptures, crafted from an eclectic array of recycled plastics, aluminum cans, glass, and countless other repurposed materials, serve as a vibrant testament to the transformative power of the creative spirit.
“Humanity produces new items every day. 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,” Kilgast reflects. “I take these wonders of modern industry and upcycle them into art.”
The Art of Transformation
The process of creating upcycled sculptures is an art form in itself, demanding a keen eye for detail, resourcefulness, and a touch of whimsy. For Kilgast, the journey often begins with a simple discarded object – a worn-down plastic bottle, a tarnished aluminum can, or a weathered fragment of glass. These humble materials become the canvas upon which she paints her vision, transforming them into intricate, nature-inspired structures that challenge the boundaries between the natural and the man-made.
“I keep a rather big ‘trash drawer’ where I keep objects that I find interesting,” Kilgast explains. “I like to thrift objects as well, as it can be fun to use. It adds a layer of meaning to the sculpture. Sometimes an idea starts with an object, but often it’s the other way around. I want to do a certain animal or plant and I’m looking for what object could work with it.”
Kilgast’s creative process is a delicate dance between conceptualization and execution, as she carefully considers the unique properties and histories of each material. Whether it’s the translucency of a glass shard or the malleable nature of a plastic bottle, each component is selected and manipulated with precision to create a cohesive and visually captivating whole.
Captivating Creatures and Colorful Commentaries
The sculptures that emerge from Kilgast’s studio are nothing short of extraordinary. From intricate floral arrangements crafted from salvaged bottle caps to whimsical marine life forms constructed from discarded fishing nets, each piece serves as a vibrant commentary on the fragility and resilience of the natural world.
One particularly striking example is Kilgast’s “Gas Mask” sculpture, a powerful work that serves as a poignant metaphor for humanity’s impact on the environment. Crafted from an assortment of discarded materials, the gas mask stands as a haunting reminder of the consequences of our actions, while simultaneously evoking a sense of hope and perseverance.
“The gas mask is a representation of humanity at its worst, when our choices threaten the very world we live in, to the point we can’t breathe anymore,” Kilgast explains. “But it’s also a symbol of resilience, as nature always finds a way to adapt and thrive, even in the face of adversity.”
Beyond the sculptural works themselves, Kilgast’s artistic practice is further elevated by her commitment to environmental advocacy. Through collaborations with organizations like Project Seagrass, she leverages her platform to raise awareness and inspire action, using her art as a powerful tool for promoting ecological consciousness.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Imperfect
As a pioneer in the realm of upcycled art, Kilgast has encountered her fair share of obstacles and misconceptions. The medium of mixed media sculpture, she explains, represents uncharted territory, with a lack of historical precedent and limited information on the practical considerations of working with a diverse array of discarded materials.
“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,” Kilgast reveals. “Everything is fairly recent and new territory. It’s not like oil paint that has been around for ages. 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.”
Yet, Kilgast embraces these challenges with a steadfast determination, constantly expanding her artistic vocabulary and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with recycled materials. She recognizes that the beauty of upcycled art often lies in its imperfections, with each scratch, dent, and unique quirk serving as a testament to the individuality of the piece.
“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,” Kilgast shares. “As a side note, I used to hang out with polymer clay artists who would do absolutely everything out of polymer clay and I remember doing a class of making flowers where I used paper. And one criticism was the use of paper, seemingly less resistant than the plastic of polymer clay. But in fact, we have no clue how plastic is going to last over time. Paper we have a good knowledge of, as we’ve been using it for centuries, so it’s actually a pretty sturdy material.”
Embracing the Future: Sustainability and Creative Vision
As Kilgast’s artistic journey continues to unfold, she remains steadfast in her commitment to the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Her sculptures, imbued with a sense of whimsy and wonder, serve as a powerful reminder that the discarded and the unwanted can be transformed into something truly remarkable.
“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,” Kilgast reflects. “I like my life how it is right now. I’ve been incredibly lucky, so I just hope this will continue!”
For aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike, Kilgast’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the vital role that upcycled art can play in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. By embracing the imperfections and unique stories embedded within discarded materials, artists like Kilgast are redefining the boundaries of artistic expression and inspiring a new generation to see the world through a lens of sustainability and wonder.
So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by the detritus of modern life, take a moment to consider the possibilities that lie within. Who knows – that forgotten bottle cap or weathered scrap of metal might just be the starting point for your next masterpiece, a vibrant testament to the resilience of the natural world and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Example: Modern Abstract Painting Series 2024