Is it feasible actually to bring about an environmental transformation with needles and trash? Well, artists at 2009 Times of Transformation, ArtHaus66 Gallery, plan to make it possible. The eco-art exhibition is being held from June 5 to July 31. The designers assemble out there with a mission i.e. to create invaluable art from refuse. Julie Kornblum –a needlecraft artist, a textile designer and a thinking environmentalist– is there among the eco-artists. Her curiosity to find life in the discarded has led her to achieve various milestones in transforming the eco-perceptions of quite a many.
As a weaver and basket maker, I feel a connection with a thousand generations of artists and weavers from diverse cultures. As a resident of the 21st century, I am concerned with what we throw away.
She not only preaches it, but puts it into practice also. Accordingly, her artwork revolves around putting surplus yarns, plastics and other discarded materials into use. She uses traditional basket making and on-loom weaving techniques and lends it a distinct grace. Hence, she voices a powerful message urging masses to recycle, reduce and reuse.
Sculptural basketry with redundant and used resources:
Taking inspiration from ancient weaving and basketry techniques, she forwards a viable solution to the problems created by plastic trash. In a way, her art is a reflection of her awareness toward the current environmental issues in general. The present work has been exhibited and hailed worldwide. She makes use of upholstery piping, waxed linen thread, plastic and metal discards in crafting these baskets.
Plastic bags recycled and re-purposed:
The second thread i.e. Weaving with Re-purposed Plastic, is equally unique specimen of the artist’s originality. The used plastic bags are transformed completely when worked with yarn, cassette tapes and cotton yarn.
