Trash to Trade 2019 Successfully Concludes

Grey Lynn 2030 was proud to help organise a number of Trash to Trade events in Auckland from 17-20 October as part of Artweek Auckland, alongside a community of upcycling artisans and local businesses.

The week began with the opening night soiree and Zero Waste Upcycled Fine Art Mini Expo at Wise Boys in Grey Lynn, where artists Alexander Okhlopkov, Briar-Shaw Smith, Cate Dine, Charlie Thomas and Mischa De La Cruz displayed their works. The evening was attended by approximately 30 people, who had the opportunity to admire the artwork, talk to the artists and enjoy the delicious food kindly provided by Tart Bakery and drinks from Karma Cola.

Alexander displayed a number of handcrafted vases made from plastic milk bottles and pots made from fused recycled grocery bags. He said “‘My main concept is to increase the environmental awareness of people through action, art and objects out of recycled plastic”

Alexander and the assembled guests created a collaborative art installation in the form of a Totem made from individual pieces (as shown in the video above).

Briar Shaw-Smith displayed art and jewellery made out of copper wire and beads in the shape of insects. Briar explained that she initially came to make these through experimentation. The copper wire they are made from is taken from computer cords and electrician’s wire, which is stripped and woven into its final shape, before being sealed against oxidation.

Mischa De La Cruz displayed a number of pieces created using PET (plastic) bottles. Mischa explained that she decided to use PET bottles to create beautiful art as a way to bring awareness to the global plastic pollution problem, using plastic and various other waste materials that would ordinarily be thrown out to create something beautiful and memorable.