Upcycling Japanese style

This is a fantastic idea.

Kintsugi (or kintsukuroi) is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind the technique is to recognize the history of the object and to visibly incorporate the repair into the new piece instead of disguising it. The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original.

If you’d like to try the technique yourself, Humade offers gold and silver DIY kintsugi kits. There's also a Kintsugi supplies shop on Etsy here. And there's a how to video guide here:



(Spotted at This is Collosal)

The second batch of rubbish art of 2014 ...

I have a particular fondness for art that's made from recycled materials. Don't believe me? See here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here ... and that's just for starters.

Last month I found the amazing work of Edouard Martinet. This week I discovered the extraordinary talent of Exeter-based artist Jane Perkins whose 'Plastic Classics' bring famous masterpieces to new life with recycled and found items. They're quite amazing.

 

 

There's a lot more of her work to be found on her website here.

The Recycled Wonderland of Blair Somerville

I'm a great fan of automata. And I'm a great fan of art made from found and recycled objects. So what a delight to find someone who does both.

In a remote corner of New Zealand’s South Island, tucked away among the last remaining tracts of native forest, lies a little-known place of wonder. It is the life’s work and extraordinary creation of inventor, artist and self-confessed tinkerer, Blair Somerville.

 

For over ten years Blair has single-handedly owned, operated and ceaselessly expanded the Lost Gypsy Gallery, his wonderland of home-grown wizardry and a playground for kids and adults alike. He even opens it to the public during the Summer months.

Using only recycled materials, Blair takes DIY to artistic extremes. His creations are ingenious, interactive, and often hilariously impractical. They take many shapes and forms and share an uncanny ability to amaze, entertain and inspire.

‘Lost & Found’ invites you to take a peek into Blair's bizarre and beautiful world.

Fun isn't it? He made an organ too ...



Previous blogposts about recycled art can be read here, here, here, here, here, here and here. And there are many more.