module file for research project

Upcycling

StudentFiona Hobson

TutorGabriel Solomons

Self-Directed studyOct 2013

Subjects I could write about

Recycled craftsUp-cyclingDestructionUrban DecayDo-It-YourselfRenewable materialsSustainabilityLiving off grid

Limited to three subjects

Do-It-YourselfUp-CyclingUrban Decay

ProcessesScreen-printing

Photography

Lazercutting

Knitting

Linocut

Etching

MachineEmbroidery

Fabric Design

Illustrator

Typography

Topics

Recycled crafts

Up-cycling

Destruction

Urban Decay

Do-It-Yourself

Renewablematerials

Sustainability

Living off grid

ProcessesScreen-printing

Photography

Lazercutting

Knitting

Linocut

Etching

MachineEmbroidery

Fabric Design

Illustrator

Typography Topics

Recycled crafts

Up-cycling

Destruction

Urban Decay

Do-It-Yourself

Renewablematerials

Sustainability

Living off grid

Urban Decay

DisrepairDecrepitudeDe-industrialisationDepopulationEconomic restructuringAbandoned buildingsCrimeDesolateInhospitableSlumsMetropolisBlightCondemnedDangerousPovertySuburbanizationManufacturingEconomic changeVulnerableIndustrialDecayingBroken downHousing shortagesGhost TownsDeath of a cityRuinsRotMental HospitalsWorkhousesPhotographyCracksRiotsEarthquakesTornadoesTsunami

Up-cycling

Converting waste materialsUseless productsEnvironmentRecyclingDown-cyclingReclaimingScrapConsumptionRaw materialsEnergy usageAir PollutionGreenhouse gasesEmissionsHybridStructural weaknessPovertyReuseInhabitationEtsyFound objectsSalvageScrap metalEphemeraRobert RauschenbergRomuald HazouméJeff WassmannConsumer cycleCradle to CradleCommoditiesWaste hierarchyTrashionScrap-storesLooptworksTextile wasteNew lifeAn increase in worth

More Up-cycling

TerracycleUpcycle LivingEnviroglasEnvironmental responsibili-tiesGlobal warmingGreat depressionMake do and mendCarbon footprintUnwantedWornRevampingFreshRepairCraftRenewDecoupageVintageEco-livingRe-purposeRebagzResurfThriftyEnergy efficientRestorationInnovationRenovationDiscard

Do-It-Yourself

BuildingModifyingRepairingProduceTransformReconstructLandscapingEconomic benefitsLack of availabilityCustomizationCraftsmanshipEmpowermentUniquenessHome improvementCraftsZinesArts and CraftsConsumer cultureBitcoinsDistressing JeansCustomizing clothesJewelleryCarpentryMasonryKnittingInstructables

Questions for Urban Decay

What is the future for the planet?

Will humans be the death of the earth?

When will animals take over?

Would the earth be better off if they did?

What could other uses for ghost cities be?

Can you blame individuals or is it Governments?

Should buildings really be left to rot?

Should Urban Decay be left for historical reasons?

Do cities have more beauty when nature takes over?

Is your city killing you?

Is there a correlation between Urban Decay and crime?

Questions for Upcycling

What is upcycling?

Can upcycling improve your well-being?

Could the earth be saved through upcycling?

If something had been upcycled would you buy it?

Would companies make less money if everything was built to last like it used to be?

Is consumer culture what’s wrong with the world?

How does upcycling affect the world?

What is the difference between recycling and upcycling?

Is it better to recycle or upcycle?

Who started the upcycling revolution?

Questions for Do-It-Yourself

When did the craze for DIY start?

Should DIY be taught from an early age?

Should instructions to create things yourself be more available?

Would workshops in your area give a better sense of community?

Would areas be looked after better if the community created them themselves?

Should materials to create your own things be cheaper to encourage learning skills?

Should everyone be taught DIY or should it be left to the tradesmen?

Is consumer culture what’s wrong with the world?

Would companies make less money if everyone was taught DIY or could they incorporate that it into their business?

Could teaching DIY from a young age have an impact on crime?

Upcy

clin

gW

hat d

o yo

u th

ink

upcy

clin

g is

?

The

art o

f fi

ndin

g an

othe

r us

e fo

r so

met

hing

th

at y

ou h

ave

fini

shed

usi

ng

for

its

firs

t pu

rpos

e.

Wha

t fiv

e w

ords

com

e to

min

d w

hen

you

thin

k of

up

cycl

ing?

Chea

p, e

asy,

in

nova

tive

, pl

anet

, se

nsib

le.

Coul

d up

cycl

ing

impr

ove

your

w

ell-b

eing

?

I sup

pose

it

cou

ld b

y m

akin

g yo

u fe

el b

ette

r.

Coul

d th

e Ea

rth

be

save

d th

roug

h up

cycl

ing?

No!

But

eve

ry

littl

e he

lps.

Wou

ld

com

pani

es

mak

e le

ss

mon

ey if

ev

eryt

hing

w

as b

uilt

to

last

like

it

used

to b

e?

Thin

gs w

ere

not b

uilt

to

last

it’s

a m

yth.

Co

mpa

nies

co

uld

char

ge

mor

e fo

r ro

bust

thin

gs

if th

ey w

ere

back

ed b

y gu

aran

tees

.

Is C

onsu

mer

Cu

ltur

e w

hat’s

w

rong

wit

h th

e w

orld

?

No,

wan

ting

so

met

hing

for

noth

ing,

or

belie

ving

you

ha

ve th

e ri

ght

to s

omet

hing

is

wha

t’s

wro

ng w

ith

the

wor

ld.

How

doe

s up

cycl

ing

affe

ct th

e pl

anet

?

Ver

y lit

tle

but i

t has

a

chan

ce to

do

som

ethi

ng I

gues

s.

Wha

t is

the

diff

eren

ce

betw

een

recy

clin

g an

d up

cycl

ing?

To r

ecyc

le

invo

lves

ch

ange

, co

llect

ion

and

ener

gy. I

t ta

kes

tim

e an

d co

mpa

nies

on

ly u

se

recy

cled

goo

ds

if it

mak

es

them

mon

ey.

Upc

yclin

g is

a

muc

h m

ore

indi

vidu

al o

r sm

all b

usin

ess

thin

g.

Is it

bet

ter

to r

ecyc

le o

r up

cycl

e?

Nei

ther

, it’s

be

tter

to

use

less

. But

re

cycl

ing

is

larg

er s

cale

, (s

uch

as in

the

cons

truc

tion

in

dust

ry) s

o co

uld

have

m

ore

impa

ct

glob

ally

, up

cycl

ing

can

be b

ette

r fo

r in

divi

dual

s.

Is g

ivin

g bl

anke

ts to

th

e ho

mel

ess

recy

clin

g or

up

cycl

ing

for

exam

ple?

Who

sta

rted

th

e up

cycl

ing

revo

luti

on?

Who

kno

ws!

Pi

ltz,

Pau

li,

McD

onau

gh,

Brau

ngar

t.

Upcy

clin

gW

hat d

o yo

u th

ink

upcy

clin

g is

?

Taki

ng

som

ethi

ng

old

and

reva

mpi

ng it

.

Wha

t fiv

e w

ords

com

e to

min

d w

hen

you

thin

k of

up

cycl

ing?

Use

ful,

nece

ssar

y,

chea

p,

sust

aina

ble,

im

port

ant.

Coul

d up

cycl

ing

impr

ove

your

w

ell-b

eing

?

Supp

ose,

it

coul

d m

ake

you

feel

be

tter

, get

ting

be

tter

use

out

of

som

ethi

ng

that

was

br

oken

.

Coul

d th

e Ea

rth

be

save

d th

roug

h up

cycl

ing?

No,

I w

ould

n’t

say

the

wor

ld c

ould

be

sav

ed,

but i

t mig

ht

help

wit

h be

ing

mor

e en

viro

nmen

tally

frie

ndly

.

Wou

ld

com

pani

es

mak

e le

ss

mon

ey if

ev

eryt

hing

w

as b

uilt

to

last

like

it

used

to b

e?

I wou

ld th

ink

so y

eah.

Is C

onsu

mer

Cu

ltur

e w

hat’s

w

rong

wit

h th

e w

orld

?

I wou

ldn’

t say

it

was

wha

t w

as w

rong

w

ith th

e wor

ld,

ever

yone

wan

ts

a bi

t of l

uxur

y so

met

imes

.

How

doe

s up

cycl

ing

affe

ct th

e pl

anet

?

Low

ers

the

amou

nt o

f ru

bbis

h go

ing

to la

ndfi

ll.

Wha

t is

the

diff

eren

ce

betw

een

recy

clin

g an

d up

cycl

ing?

Recy

clin

g is

re

turn

ing

som

ethi

ng b

ack

to it

s raw

stat

e,

whi

lst u

pcyc

ling

is ta

king

so

met

hing

that

s a

bit w

orn,

an

d ta

king

so

met

hing

else

th

ats a

bit

wor

n,

and

putt

ing

them

toge

ther

to

crea

te

som

ethi

ng

that

’s us

able

ag

ain.

Is it

bet

ter

to r

ecyc

le o

r up

cycl

e?

I wou

ldn’

t say

ei

ther

one

was

be

tter

than

th

e ot

her

or

bene

fici

al.

Who

sta

rted

th

e up

cycl

ing

revo

luti

on?

I rea

lly d

on’t

know

.

Urban Decay research

Amelie Riis photographyHttp://www.urbandecay.org.uk/index.html

“I am passionate about abandoned and unloved buildings, particularly lunatic asylums. I spend as much time as possible photographically documenting these rapidly vanishing architectural masterpieces before they are lost forever.”

Some photos I have taken

I have chosen to base my research project on Upcyling. Upcycling in the process of turning unwanted items into something else, giving it a new life. If upcyling became a way of being then it would improve the planets sustainability by reducing the energy used in the manufacturing process and reduce the amount of raw materials used. Upcycling yourself gives personality and unique outcomes. The process of recycling, for example plastic, can downgrade the material. Once plastic has been recycled once, it is generally unable to be recycled again. This is called Down-cycling and all it does it delay the time it takes for that plastic to end up in landfill. Manufacturers still have to source new plastics. I will base my investigation on how Upcycling is used across the world in different cultures. I will look at when its been used successfully and also when it hasn’t really worked.

India

Http://backoftheenvelope.britishcouncil.org/2012/may/17/hendzel-hunt-upcycling-india/

The South London Design Studio Hendzel + Hunt went over to the Unbox Festival in New Delhi, India. Once there they created and ran an upcycling workshop.

“Back in New Delhi a colonial style bedroom becomes the site for debate and plan of action. We have three and a half days to turn a pile of objects in to a table and chairs. We assemble our ingredients - bike chains, bike chain ring, a sheet of ply, a door, motor and push bike. After plentiful food and drink, a heated discussion and the gentle squeeze of pressure, we confirm the table and as many stools as we can within the festival’s time frame. Three days of sourcing then gives us three days to complete the challenge. Technical drawings assist the compound angles within the table and stools. The decision for compound angles added a greater difficulty that if successful would showcase our technical ability whilst producing a beautiful object.”

“Hendzel + Hunt use their local area as an open resource. Waste materials are sourced from the streets and yards of SE15 and transformed into elegant and highly desirable furniture, which are imbued with their own stories informing the design process. The results hold intrigue and character, alongside a high level of craftsmanship, showcasing what can be achieved within small batch production.”

Conserve Dheli 2010

Conserve Delhi created a series of bags made from the waste left over from the Commonwealth games. The material that they used was called Tyvek. This material is made with finely spun high density polyethylene. This is a plastic derived from petroleum. This material is very lightweight, strong, water and stain resistant and was used for signage and banner systems. Conserve Delhi came to the conclusion that it was a perfect material to upcycle.

Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games ‘Breeda’ bag (sample) - Games banners and tyre tubing

Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games messenger bag (sample) made from athlete flags

China

Http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2013-06/19/content_16637395.htm

The British Embassy began its campaign to raise awareness of Up-cycling in China by launching an annual competition consisting of designing up-cycled products from industrial waste and surplus products at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, collaborating with universities and the Guangzhou Low Carbon Industry Association. The competitions aims were to provide solutions for a low-carbon economy. The exhibition was held at the EMGdotART centre in the Guangzhou’s art area.

America

Boris Bally-http://www.borisbally.com/#

Boris Ball’s work involves creating various items using old street signs, weapon parts and various found objects.

Hipcycle upcycled productsHttp://hipcycle.com/

Hipcycle is a dedicated online up-cycling store. Its aim is to help address the global waste problem through up-cycling.

Bag made from reclaimed fire hose,

Exploring processes case study

Textile artist: Julieanne Longhttp://textileartist.co.uk/

“Julieanne is a textile artist based in Cambridgeshire. Her textile art uses a variety of techniques ranging from knitting, needlelace, tapestry weaving and basketry. Her materials are usually recycled or found items.Inspiration is taken from the natural world, looking at plant collections from the Eden Project, Wisley and Kew. She is also interested in historical textiles with particular interest in those in the V&A.”

Full Fathom FiveBasketry, weaving, hand and machine embroidery, mixed media including Funeral service book, fishing net, flotsam & jetsam from various beaches.

RockpoolRecycled & found materials.

Flower GarlandCommission piece for the Hannah Preschar Sculpture Garden in Surrey. Made from knitted fishing line with flowers made from plastic bottles.

Ice 2Commission piece for the Hannah Preschar Sculpture Garden in Surrey. Made from CDs stitched together with fishing line and then cable ties attached. Approx 1 metre.

FountainCommission piece for the Hannah Preschar Sculpture Garden in SurreyMade with knitted plastic bottles and fishing line.

SpringMade with recycled & found objects stitched to acrylic panels.

Traffalgar SeasCommission piece for Portsmouth Naval MuseumMade from knitted plastic bottles and fishing line, dyed silk net, muslin & rope. Approx 3.5metres.

The piece was inspired by reading eye witness accounts of the battle of Trafalgar.


Lotta Jansdotterwww..jansdotter.com

Lotta Jansdotter uses processes she learnt as a child such as printmaking techniques and simple sewing to create sophisticated pieces. She uses traditional methods and a DIY approach to create products for a busy city life.


Craig Fellowswww.craigfellows.co.uk

“Craig Fellows is an award-winning textile print designer with a passion for colour and illustration, combining his fine art talents with his love of fashion and textiles. Using traditional, contemporary and digital printing techniques, Craig transforms his illustrations into beautiful fashion and interior pieces. Each piece is designed, printed, made and hand-finished in Britain. Every piece in Craig’s collection is completely unique and can truly not be found on the high street.”

My experiments with photography


Mark Langon: langanart.com/about-mark-langan.htmal

mark Langan is an artist from Ohio who creates sculptural work using reclaimed materials such as corrugated boxes. He believes recycling and sustainability are important and tries to make an impact on how much ends up in landfill. He believes he can inspire others to do the same.

“My personal interpretation to the term “Corrugated Art” is the celebration of the unique properties of a highly visible manufactured product for which it was not purportedly intended. Striving to artistically focus by highlighting those aesthetically characteristic qualities which otherwise would be unknowingly ignored”.

Exploring processes case study- Laser-cutting

Rachel Ashe-http://rachaelashe.com/

Translating paper cut designs onto laser cut wood.

Exploring processes case study- Embroidery & Knitting

Ana Teresa Barboza - www.anateresabarboza.blogspot.co.ukhttp://www.theartfuldesperado.com/ana-teresa-barboza/

“Ana Teresa Barboza uses embroidery and knitting to compliment her graphite illustrations, creating a parallel between the process of manual crafts and drawing. Barboza’s imagery is just as astounding as her process, depicting scenes of women kissing lions and people embracing among a milieu of the natural and sewn. This work is an incredible exercise in creating hybrids, challenging the strictures of contemporary content and the purpose of certain artisan crafts.”

“Waste doesn’t exist in nature. One species’ waste is another species’ food. When a tree falls in a forest, it creates the nutrients for more trees to grow. Dung beetles feast on faeces and contribute to improved soil structure. Dead matter gets processed by microbes and ultimately becomes food.”http://www.walkoutwalkon.net/brazil/upcycling/

Exploring processes case study- Photography

Simon Larbalestier- http://www.simon-larbalestier.co.uk/

A fragment of a clock laid abandoned in South Korea.

Mr Grieves, London, 1988, Sleeve artwork for the Pixies “Doolittle”.

Bad Shoes, London, 1988, Sleeve artwork for the Pixies “Doolittle”.

Close up detail of a Lotus leaf

Exploring processes case study- ReformationsCraig Anthony

http://www.behance.net/gallery/GLASS-CANVAS-2013/5562063

“Glass canvas art retro modern funky groovy lit feature pieces amazing colours”.

Laser cut notes

2 kinds of images can be used to create laser cut pieces. One style uses vector graphics created using Illustrator, this is quicker and you can produce engraved, and completely cut through areas. Photo realistic imagery can also be created using JPEG or TIFF formats. JPEG’s must be changed to grey scale and ones with a high contrast work better. It’s important to reduce the range of greys to get the best appearance. Half tone images can also be used to great effect. Make sure files are the exact size you would like to print them at as resizing is more difficult on the laser cut computers. If using live trace on illustrator make sure you ignore white in the preferences. Make sure extra material is bought to practice on. Book session at the reception in the fabrication department up to two weeks in advance.

Sara Loveridge

“I would describe myself as a mixed media artist as I use a lot of collage and drawing in my work. My artwork reflects many personal experiences both past and present.

Recent pieces have been inspired by walks along the Sustrans Route 33 cycle path between Chard and Ilminster and also along the Jurassic Coast, particularly Charmouth. The organic patterns found in these landscapes - often appearing in the form of trees and fossils - have resulted in a series of drawings and collages that evoke personal journeys undertaken in these environments.”

- See more at: http://www.creativesomerset.com/sara-k-loveridge/?post-code=&q=sara+loveridge&network%5B0%5D=5&page=3#sthash.LavohS-FA.dpuf

Recycled teddy bears become rugs loaded with stories.

Agustina Woodrite

“The inspiration from the project came from her relationship with her own teddy bear but also oriental rugs. ‘I’ve also always enjoyed the symmetry of oriental rugs, and I had just discov-ered that they tell stories about people lives. In that matter, they’re like a book. You read them. This notion inspired me to take on the design in a more personal way. Every child in the world has a special relationship with a stuffed animal or a toy, and this relationship grows through-out time. We ascribe meaning to these objects, make them come alive, and they all have stories’ Augustina Woodrite says in the interview by Sight Unseen.” http://www.upcyclista.org/recycled-teddy-bears/

Stephen Sagmeister

Things I have Learnt in My Life So Far.

I am taking inspiration from Sagmeisters work to create large Typography pieces out in the environment.

I attempted to sew a plaited plastic bag onto fabric, spelling out every plastic bag buried in landfill takes 500 years to decay. Cant say it was the most successful mission so have decided to try another direction.

Constructed from melted plastic bags. I will later photograph this out in the environment.

Constructed from melted plastic bags. I want to photograph this in water to give some impact. i used different shades of blue plastic bags to make it look more like water.

This isn’t finished yet but the letters have been hhand sewn onto card. It reads nature doesn’t know the concept of waste. The only species capable of making something no-one else desires is the human species.

I found an old lampshade on the street and had this idea that if I cut letters out then when the lampshade was used it would project the letters onto the wall. On the original lampshade though I cut the letters out back to front (classic school boy error I hear you say) So I constructed another lampshade from paper and cut the letters out of that. It didn’t work like I had planned now its time for plan two. Cutting the letters out a flat piece of card and shining a lamp through it. Will this work? I hope so...

Plan 2

How I have used Up-cycling.

From scrap and donated fabrics, fabrics from clothes swaps and charity shops I have created a series of patchwork bags.

Final proposal

module file for research project

Documents