MATERIALS ARCHIVE: PLASTICS

We all know by now the role plastics play in the detriment to us and planet, and as a waste form it is the most abundant. From nearly full bottles of epoxy and acrylic paints donated to secondhand shops, sheets of acrylic and the never ending pile of water bottles I have created with just about every kind of plastic. One major thing I took away from researching this material, and why I try my hardest to stay away from it even as waste, is that most of the time it is better off on the ground or recycled in a facility (not always possible, I know). And the darkest part that I think we as consumers don’t fully grasp is that there is no plastic without oil, a lot of oil.

Techniques: cutting, melting, burning, heat forming, sanding.

Other materials: Argentium silver, brass, gold.

A woman wearing a cream lace blouse with pearl buttons, sitting against a beige backdrop. She has a dried floral arrangement balanced on her head, and her pose includes one hand near her face and the other on her lap wearing large statement earrings.

Acrylic with brass, 2019
Model: Jyoni by Jenny Bowler
Boise, Idaho

A pair of ornamental silver earrings with engraved designs, dangled with small brass balls and white tassels, placed on a rough concrete surface.

Inside of bungee cord elastic with repurposed charms, 2017

A pair of earrings with clear, semi-circle plastic water bottle bases and gold hooks, laid on a white surface.

Water bottle with 14k gold, 2017

Artistic still life featuring a pair of earrings made of white rectangular beads cut from old glasses lenses, displayed on beige and terracotta-colored tiles with a yellow fabric background and a white curtain.

Eyeglass lenses with Argentium silver, 2020

Two ceramic jewelry displays, both with earrings made from upcycled eye glass lenses, are set against a draped white fabric background.
Gold textured hoop earrings with textured plastic water bottle, set on a soft green fabric background.

Plastic milk jug with 14k gold hammered wire, 2018

Close-up of a jade plant with dark green, oval leaves, with brass wire and plastic earrings draped over some of the leaves.

Water bottle with recycled brass welding rod, 2017

Red acrylic earrings on a beige surface with shadows.

Acrylic sheet, 2019

A Black woman with short natural hair and earrings sits on the floor, gazing at a Black woman sitting on a bed. The person on the bed is partially covered with their back exposed and has bright colored earrings on her back.

Hand painted gauche on aluminum sheet with epoxy coating, 2020
Lucy and Domingas by PAIS Agency, Portugal

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