up/cycle

up/cycle -
to uplift and creatively re-purpose something otherwise destined for the dumps, usually to beautify one's local environment



As many of you already know, I love re-purposing non-recyclable throw-aways to make art.

My latest project was born from remnants of the Divisadero Parklet.

The Divis Parklet sits on a wooden deck on Divisadero Street. The deck is supported by an extensive arrangement of pedestals held in place by a racking system. The racking system is essentially a number of toothed-plastic braces, some of which needed shortening due to various site conditions.

As we hacked away at the braces to cut them to size, our pile of non-recyclables grew and grew. These plastic pieces were all bound for the dump until I up/cycled them for a new purpose:
to frame a living wall installation.




This installation entitled, "Systematique," showcases six air plants, or Tillandsia, found at the San Francisco Greenery, in SOMA - a great collection of wholesale plant boutiques selling all kinds of flora related delights. (and, I picked them up on my bike ;)

Tillandsias require very little upkeep. They are nearly weightless, don't require any soil, and drink hardly any water.

Inspiration for this one-of-a-kind installation is site specific, coming directly from the original purpose of the materials:
The pedestal/racking system utilized in the Divis Parklet is the framework for the entire deck. Without this, we would have no progressive parklet providing spaces for pedestrians to reclaim the road.

Similarly, Systematique provides the framework for six thriving tillandsias, adding life and color to the whitest of walls.

Concepts and theories considered in the design and construction of the frame include modernism, patterning, symmetry, depth of vision, sustainability, and minimization of waste.
All left-over braces were utilized in the frame.
No plants were harmed in the creation of this project.




Please email me directly for a sneak a peak of Systematique in living color.