‘Recycled’ art is on the rise

There’s more than one way to recycle a soda can or a plastic bag.

Around the country, all kinds of artists have turned to garbage and recyclables to create works of art that not only make statements about our consumerist and sometimes throw-away culture, but they also look pretty cool. too.

One of the leading recycled artists in the Northwest is Diane Kurzyna of Olympia, aka Ruby Re-Usable, who I met during my five years in our fair capital city.

Using everything from old Wonder Bread bags to aluminum soda can tabs, Kurzyna has created sculptures, masks, dolls, alphabets, baskets and more elaborate pieces as well, including a full-scale Jewish wedding exhibit titled “White Trash Wedding,” made of white trash and recyclables, natch.

Kurzyna, whose work most recently appeared in Snohomish County at “The Art of Recycling” exhibit at the Monte Cristo gallery in downtown Everett last spring, has a blog featuring recycled art projects in Olympia and around the world.

While you’re at it, you might check out the plastic bag recycling tricks of Everett’s own Karen Erickson, who turns plastic grocery bags into sturdy, waterproof farmers market bags, hats and wine totes.

You might be inspired to make your own recyclable art for Earth Day or you might just revel in the novelty and freedom of expression all of our castoff plastics inspire.