We interviewed a Brighton artist 'Trashd' a few weeks ago whose aim it is to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. She is currently planning exhibitions of her work, incorporating and collaborating with other recycle artists that will spark discussion and reflection. Trashd suggests that our generation has quickly become a disposable society "Items are thrown away without thinking what other uses there may be for them, recycling is also about the re-use of materials". A very interesting morning with very strong coffee prevailed.
Paul : So we have seen some amazing pieces of artwork today, as well as clothing designs.....when did you start working on these pieces?
Trashd : Last year. Though I have always been into art. I got addicted to collecting circles and stuff. For years I didn't do anything with them, but then I made that metal jacket. I had loads of dreams about me putting all these together, so about a year ago I actually started making these pieces you have seen. I just thought, well, there are loads of good materials that are otherwise chucked out that I could use and they are free.
Dug : So any art you produce now is all recycled?
T : Most of it, yeah.....plastic bottles, cartons, bottle lids, tin lids and stuff I have collected for about the past three years. I have a whole stash of `em. Pubs collects glass stuff, bottles and that, then we pick them up.
P : Cool. You mentioned that metal jacket, so, that was the first piece of art you created in this, ermmm, phase?
T : Yeah, thats right.
D : It looks like you have put an awful lot of work into that, and the other clothes you have been making......how long has the metal jacket taken to complete? Is it something you would start, then continue working on amongst other little projects?
T : So far I like doing little bits at the same time. If I worked on that metal jacket solid, I think it would take me about 2 weeks. But I like figuring out how I am constructing the jacket as I go....how do I fit the next section or bit together?....that kind of thing. I create a process and I am on a roll, you don't think about it, you just get the stuff and material and just do it. You know I got a hole punch and made holes for ages....it all came together, and I thought I cant wear this, so I attached it to an old jacket by sewing with wire. It just evolved.
D : Part of this is all about using what is often thrown away, like the base of that lamp there...(pointing)....
T : Yeah
P : Oh yeah, now that is lovely, old chocolate box packaging...?
D : Its part of a Ferrero Rocher packet, (to Boakes) have you seen it ?
T : Yeah, well, you know, you just see things and I think, oh right, maybe if I stick those things together, change its shape.....suddenly it has turned into something else....
P : All those lamp shades are nice...
D : Is there a way of seeing the idea first?
T : Well, I see it, but then I gather stuff around me, and just go from there........
D : Really in the moment work then?
T : Yeah, you know I might muck something up, but then discover a whole new technique...
D : When was there talk of the Victoria & Albert Museum wanting some of your work?
T : Yeah.... well, they wanted some woven and plaited work so I made a dress out of plastic bags that looks quite good
D : Yeah, and the V & A isn't just something about the past, they have a modern section?
T : Yeah, a new fashion department.
D : Hopefully that will work out.....
T : I hope so!
D : Do you think you will be able to earn some money out of your art?
T : Yeah, its a big thing isn't it? There is a lot of material out there, and artists, some use old tyres and inner tubes, whatever......its exciting. It would be good to get together and exhibit stuff, like with my old mate Den who works with old electrical toys, and, circuit bends them to make new sounds, literally anything can be recycled & turned into something else, instead of just trashed and landfilled, especially plastic bags, you can make all kinds of things with them, like the woven dress I've made, the one with the orange bows.
P : I particularly like these pieces of artwork up on the wall here, we took some photos earlier, I can see cans used there, what else have you used?
T : Just tin lids and a cut stencil which I make and spray.
P : I like the simplicity of it, there isn't lots to take in and work your way around, It just is what it is, and what is constantly in the back of my mind is who would have used that lid there, or that one over that side.......
D : I like that, its got a story, each piece of tin.....
T : Yeah, I go collecting all the beer can rips from The Level ( in Brighton) where all the street drinkers gather, I will do a piece of work called The Level Drinkers.....there are little stories about where you find all this stuff. That other piece for example, I walked down Meadowview and was looking into the bushes and came across those lids.....I wouldn't have got those from Magpie Recycling (local co-op who do the majority of re-cycling in Brighton). I just envisioned Jimi Hendrix appearing out of this stuff, those bottle tops reminded me of an old Hendrix album cover.
P : You showed me some other images earlier on, what, or how did they come about?
T : I just get really into stenciling and incorporated stencils into the recycling materials, it makes the recycled stuff more interesting, I make frames out of sweets and cardboard, all sorts of stuff, I can show you some....except these have fallen apart!! I love using whatever is around, and sort of cut it up into something original and new. Who says you have to have a framed piece of work? Experimenting is good!
D : Yeah, this is probably the most exciting phase, isn't it? And with the creativity, anything you find that has been thrown away, it starts a new idea in your head.
T : Yeah.
D : There is no end of stuff thrown away.
P : Have you passed on your work to others?
T : Oh, yeah....the Hendrix piece is for a friend who I know will like it....
P : So your art, your work does get filtered out into the local community then?
T : Yeah!
B : Thats good then................
D : I suppose there is also the battle, with anyone creating things, working as hard as you are, which we can see, is to turn your creativity into a way of accruing some...
T : Money!
D : Yes, thats what I was going to say, when you go and do your children's school projects, which are part of your future, aren't they, will you be using similar materials?
T : Yeah, my idea was to turn up with loads of materials, all sorts of stuff and throw them into the middle of the room, then show some examples of what I have made and let them do their own thing....they will come up with their own techniques and styles....they will cut things differently, combine materials differently, see what they see in their work or design ideas, and it will bring out new dimensions..................take it to a level where they can make stuff....
D : And also its showing kids of a young age how much we do throw away that can be re used.
P : Would you consider creating and doing some huge art pieces?
T : Yeah, definitely, one idea I had was a huge tapestry made out of plastic bags using my bed as a loom!
D : I always think if you could do something with the (corroded, fire ridden and closed down ) West Pier, that would be really good.
T : Yeah, future work indeed!
Future Trashd work will appear here.
Thanks Trashd.
