Art Blog #62: Creative Recycling Ideas

As a visual artist I am attracted to a wide variety of materials. Be it fabrics, electronic parts or waste. I am fascinated by the history and identity of the materials. During the artistic process I always ask myself: What do the materials stand for? What do they tell us about ourselves? Our desires, visions and values? And what potential do they carry? There is indeed an alchemical aspect to my art. The seemingly old becomes new, the forgotten becomes remembered. I see every material as a valuable resource - shape-shifting between the past, present and future.

Art made of Clothes, Fabrics and Deluxe Interior Design Objects

Where do I get my materials? From very different sources. A friend of mine works in an architecture firm and she came to see me the other day. She brought a selection of fabrics, mosaic collections and wallpaper samples. I was hyped. And shocked at the same time. She told me that these materials would otherwise have been thrown away. A lot of luxury objects simply end up in the bin. Why? For sure we need more industry-wide collaborations and material initiatives. This is one of my main future goals: Creating material cycles and making more “lost” materials visible for other creatives to work with them.

Working with Brands & Companies

That's what I mean with the term „Impact art“. Creating impact and new connections. Building a network of people and industrie-wide collaborations. I have been working with sustainable companies and initiatives for some time now. I support companies in using art to make their goals and visions visible and - above all - tangible. With using their specific materials the company vision becomes visible at first glance. I don't think much of making art only for the art bubble - art should and must be effective in society.

Upcycling Exhibitions & Special Projects

I am very proud of my previous upcycling art projects. In 2022 I was invited to a project at the North Sea and in Denmark. As part of participatory workshops we created art made of ocean waste as well as flotsam and jetsam. In the same year I created art from found materials from Maxvorstadt in the U-Bahn gallery in Munich. I am currently working on a very personal and poetic art series in which I use materials from my own life, such as photos, old clothes or family relics. It definitely has vintage charm. My upcycling practice has something very exploratory and archaeological to me, which is why I refer to the term „Neoarchaeology“.

Making the invisible visible

My art uses archetypal symbols and figures to illuminate aspects that shape our actions and values. My art integrates the power of the unconscious as well as collective and personal shadow sides. Unnoticed materials symbolize unnoticed aspects of ourselves. My art practice strives for a wholeness in which everything has its place and its value. My art empowers cyclical principles of becoming and passing away, transformational processes of all beings.

Verena Kandler