Discarded trash becomes stunning public art in the hands of Canadian artist Brandon Blommaert. In a recent commission for the Edmonton Southwest ECOstation, the artist created large images that whimsically integrate concepts of recycling, the natural environment and art.
With a background in animation and filmmaking, Blommaert created five images of familiar Alberta landscapes and then digitally inserted intriguing creatures made entirely from garbage. The result is stunning large scale photographs, covered in weatherproof material that will hang on the outdoor walls of the Southwest ECOstation building.
We caught up with Brandon to ask a few questions about recycling, art and inspiration for the project.
How would you describe your artwork?
When I tell people about this work, I just say that they are pictures of sculptures made out of garbage. And I hope the images themselves fill in the blanks. I have been mostly interested in animation and filmmaking lately, so this project was kind of a bit of a break from that stuff. But these images probably reflect my interest in filmmaking as these could be seen as little clips from a larger narrative.
Do you consider yourself an environmental artist?
No, not really. There are so many things in our world that are messed up that I could never focus on one thing to make art about. So I guess I just make art about messed-upness itself.
Are these pieces intended to inspire recycling?
Mmm…I don't know. I don't think that images like these will make people act or live any differently than they do. I am not sure if images have that kind of power in this day and age. I do hope that they draw attention to the ECOstation though.
I don't want to make propaganda. Maybe it will inspire people to think about the things they buy and throw away though? I would be the hugest hypocrite if I told others how to live.
How long does it take to make one?
The actual sculptures vary, from 10 cm to 1.5 meters. Each one took roughly a month to make; not counting the time spent gathering landscape photos.
How did the Southwest ECOstation commission come about?
I found a call for artists on the internet and thought that I would give it a shot. As my sculpting skills are pretty shabby, I had never considered creating public artworks. But this project involved creating two-dimensional images, which is easier for me to do, because I could just photograph the sculptures.
Do you make other environmental themed art?
I don't really make environmental artwork. I care about these issues, but I usually try to avoid having any serious messages in my art. I think with this project I was trying hard to avoid any overly preachy moralistic elements. I don't think these images really have to communicate anything too specific to be successful, but there is obviously an environmental bent to it. I think that if you think about the environment, or any issue (war, economics, relationships) these things will find a way into your work on some level, whether you like it or not…unless you are absolutely opposed to having content in your work.
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