Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

I spent much of yesterday ambling through downtown Bellevue WA’s huge annual arts and crafts event. Blocks and blocks unfolded before me in a jumble of color and talent. I’m always inspired by the quality and inventiveness of the work, ranging from homegrown to highbrow, on display at this summer mainstay.

As always I was on the lookout for artists/craftspeople using recycled, surplus, sustainably sourced or natural items in their work. Not only do I admire their art and enjoy talking with them, but being in their presence ignites my own creativity. I can hardly wait to get home and into my own studio.

Among my favorites yesterday were the collages by David Curtner with words cut from magazines, books and newspapers, used in meaningful ways, while at the same time creating wonderful imagery.

As you might have read, I’m a sucker for recycled metal art. This sculpture by Lance Carleton combines artistry with practicality. The “Recoil Bench” is set on springs that give it a gentle rocking motion when you sit on it.

My husband is a musician, guitarist, and singer and art using old guitars inevitably catches my eye. But even if I wasn’t naturally drawn to the instrument, Carol Braden’s license plated guitars can hardly be ignored. I cannot tell you how badly I wish I could afford one!

The story behind Mary Ennes Davis’s “Guardians” is as compelling as her work. Quoting from her website, www.CrowRiverStudio.com, “The Guardians rose out at the ashes of September 11th. My family donated to the relief effort in New York & decided that we would make gifts that would fit in a Christmas stocking. I began making them with my son, Paul, who was eight at the time. Our goal was to use recycled components to create angels that would have personalities & powers to protect & honor loved ones.

“The paint brushes I use are worn ones from the public schools. I trade new brushes for their old ones for the arms & legs.”

Kathy Ross’s papier maché sculptures drew me like a magnet. Quirky and fun, the figures reflect a joy for living coupled with of words and images (like maps) on the paper she chooses. The resulting playfulness and charm as well as deeper meaning, was irresistible to me and I’m now the proud owner of one of her “Travelers.”

And finally, I was delighted to again see artist Kathleen Plate. From the moment we spied her Smart Glass jewelry made from recycled bottles, four or five years ago, we’ve been fans. Since then, Kathleen has not only expanded her jewelry line, but has headed in a number of new and exciting directions including making gorgeous chandeliers and glass “curtains” that can be spotted in restaurants, hotels and museums.

Have you come across any new-to-your artists/craftspeople this summer? Would love to hear about them.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.