Last fall I was pleased to be one of five artists chosen to participate in the Summit ReWorks ‘Reframing Recycling’ photography project. ReWorks recently posted the photos in a short series of YouTube videos (at ReWorks Reframing Recycling).
Each artist received a recyclable item: cardboard, paper, a metal can, plastic bottle, or carton. All were then asked to use the object as the subject of three photographs: the original item (as-is), a process shot (state of change), and the final transformation. The object could be physically changed (crushed, sliced, etc.) but no additional materials could be added. The photograph(s) would then be altered through digital manipulation, filters, layers, etc.
My recyclable was a white detergent bottle. I approached it with zero preconceived notions, insuring that the journey from start to finish was engaging, fun, and unpredictable.
Artist’s Statement
Photographing the stark, white detergent bottle with no visible labeling allowed me to view it as a blank canvas, open to a myriad possibilities.
Beyond my first inclination, to simply cut apart the plastic bottle, I did not choose a specific method of alteration. Each step suggested its own follow-up, which practically insured that the final image would have little resemblance to early ideas. One morning, nearing completion, the angle of autumn sunlight in the studio changed my approach yet again. Had there not been a deadline I’d probably still be playing with the imagery!
While working on this project I gained an increased appreciation for those who have developed processes to recycle the seemingly indestructible plastics that are part of everyday life. It’s not difficult to imagine trashed detergent bottles lasting forever. May a continued cycle of reuse replace that of disposal and accumulation.
I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Reframing Recycling project. Earlier I mentioned that it was like falling down a rabbit hole with a detergent bottle, and it was. Thank you for this engaging and fun experience!
Joan Colbert 2020