Art of Trash
Maui 2014
Photoblog
For the past several years Mauians have had the great
privilege to see some inspiring alternative art. Trash Art to be specific. The 6th annual Art of Trash exhibit opened this Friday (April 25, 2014) at the Maui Mall, and
a couple of my friends were showing pieces, so I took some photos to share with
the world.
Rather than paraphrasing something that doesn’t need
paraphrasing…..
(From the Art of Trash Maui Facebook Page)
“Art
of Trash is an annual exhibition of recycled materials transformed into art.
Maui County artists change the way the community defines reuse by finding
creative ways of keeping recyclable items out of our landfill.
Each
year, Art of Trash presents a three week exhibit that showcases everyday
objects that have been given new life. Entry of artwork to this juried show is
open to all Maui County residents. The exhibition begins with a spectacular
Opening Night celebration that includes an artists awards reception,
refreshments, and Maui Trashion Trash Art Fashion Show not to be missed.
Centered
around Earth Day, Art of Trash brings the community together to focus on the
theme of environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. This fun,
educational event is supported by local organizations, businesses, and
residents. In previous years, sponsors have included SharingAloha, A&B
Foundation, Maui Mall, Whole Foods, and the County of Maui.
Art
of Trash features a special presentation of Pōmaika'i Elementary School student
artwork created from marine debris collected during educational beach cleanups.
Students also participate in the fashion show, displaying their ingenuity by
modeling their wearable recycled art.
Community
Work Day Program has organized the Art of Trash since 2009.
This
event is made possible by your support and contributions. For more information
or to donate, please contact Art of Trash Coordinator Wilma Nakamura at
573-3911.”
It was really great seeing my friends Worm & Melissa Bruck's work on display, and
I wanted to share their work and a little about them first.
Worm aka Brian Wormwood is one of the most fun guys you’ll
ever meet, and his art is some of the best I’ve seen by someone I actually know. He works in mixed media and metal with
all kinds of building and engineering skills to boot. Worm brings a very interesting perspective to his work,
because he’s not your “typical” artist type, but who is really? Worm is a cool dude, and it comes through in his art. For example the 2011 Art of Trash
Jurors Choice, “The Torque Monster” (seen below)
(Photo taken from Art of Trash Facebook - Unknown Photographer)
Worm not only sourced all the motorcycle parts, he caught
the giant fish! (It was an Ahi Tuna I believe). For this year’s entry “Bearly Magical” he made a light show
mirror out of an old salvaged mirror, a bunch of plastic honey bear containers,
and some LED lights. Worm told me it was eventually going to be his headboard.
(Em & I Admire Worm's latest creation)
Worm Body Painted by Melissa Bruck at Burning Man 2012
Melissa Bruck is multi-talented. If it has to do with art she’s pretty much great at it. Melissa is a painter, illustrator,
Mandala maker, muralist, body painter, and performance artist, just to name a
few of her talents.
(The 4 photos above are by Melissa Bruck & Co. from her Facebook Page.)
In her entry in this year’s Art of Trash "Hue-Man-i-tea"
Melissa further explores her Mandala art in the form of mixed media sculpture
from salvaged materials.
I love
Melissa’s style because it’s fun, but deep, and often very colorful. I’ve noticed most of her work has at
least one eye in it (see above). It’s like a
little piece of herself, looking at you from every piece of her art.
My Photos of the Art in the Gallery
(Wouldn't you know it, they were right next to each other)
(Inside)
The Art of Trash 2014 is running at the Maui Mall for 2½
more weeks, so if you are in Maui, do yourself a favor, and check it out. Maybe you’ll be inspired to create a
piece for next year, but make sure it’s great, the AOT judges are selective. P.S. Next year I have to make it in time for the fashion show...
All of my photos from this post were shot on a Canon G-15.
If you like my photos, please check out my website & Facebook page.
