recycle

IN MEDias Res -A reimagined Recycled book

| Zoé

The concept” In Medias Res”began with the intention of creating recycled paper to print my final image on. As I delved deeper into the history of paper production andconsidered more sustainable options, the work evolved to explore the impact ofdeforestation, particularly how colonization and time have led to the devastation of old-growth forests, reducing them to treeless horizons to meet the demand for paper, wood and farming. Thankfully, there has been a shift towards more sustainable practices and the government have inforced  that logging of native forests to cease. The alternative is the faster  growing  pine  which is depicted in the final lenticular piece of a pineforest and the tree juxtaposed  against an empty horizon and Koala –the Koala is  used to signify the impact the pine forests have with native animals and their  habitat and food.

The recycled paper used in this piece was sourced from the cut outs of the left side of the  book and also the trials and errors. transforming it into a new work of art.
All the images  were capturedwith a 35mm camera and developed sustainably using either coffee or plants , reinforcing the theme ofsustainability.

This piece suggests that waste can be reimagined as a resource, turning
the old into something new and valuable. It also reflects on the decline of knowledge
and stories traditionally shared through books due to digital transformations, raising questions about the fate of books from the past and their place in our future.
Central to this work is a visual narrative. The cross-section of a tree, gradually
diminishing in size and cut from various images of forests within the book’s pages,
mimics the rings of a tree, symbolizing the passage of time. It evokes the sensation of
walking through a forest .

The book is displayed open in the middleof the story (in medias res)
As we stand in the middle of this story (In Medias Res) , with the possibility of regeneration embrace new practices learnt from the trials and errors . This piece serves as a reminder that we are at a pivotal moment—a time of change and new possibilities, where the past and future converge to hopefully shape a more sustainable world.

Form-A DIFFERENT VIEW ..A photographic series exploring THE TRANSFORMATION OF PLASTIC BOTTLES TO TEXTILE.

| Zoé

Following on from my previous post I have decided to do a separate explanation of the series Form-A Different View which is a photographic exploration of transformation, perception, and possibility. This series follows the journey of a simple plastic bottle, capturing its metamorphosis from waste to woven textiles. The series explores the stages of the process, from the bottle’s initial form to its shadow, reflection, and eventual transformation into shredded plastic, threads, and finally, fabric and using both the negative a positive view of the image to suggest and inforce the use of a different perspective to be considered.

At its core, Form-A Different View challenges the conventional perspective of plastic bottles as mere waste, instead inviting viewers to see them as valuable resources with untapped potential. PET plastic has the potential to be recyled and reused in many ways .The series is a visual narrative that encourages a reimagining of our relationship with everyday objects, particularly those often discarded without a second thought.

By focusing on the different stages of the plastic bottle’s transformation, the series underscores the idea that our perspectives shape our understanding of the world. As Oscar Wilde famously remarked, “The optimist sees the donut, the pessimist sees the hole.” Similarly, this series suggests that by shifting our focus, we can uncover new opportunities in what might otherwise be seen as problems.

Through these images, I aim to inspire a conversation about sustainability, resourcefulness, and the power of perspective. Form- A Different View is not just about the transformation of a plastic bottle into textiles; it’s about transforming the way we think about consumption, waste, and the potential for renewal in our everyday lives.

NB: I am am a photographic artist and do not to claim to have a scientific background though I do have a very curious and inquistive mind and can see the bigger picture from both the negative a postive perspective. I really enjoy exploring ideas objectively and concepts visually to gain a better understanding of issues that I am passionate about . I am keen to learn more and find solutions that are sustainable.

Two photographic series that explore the Transformation from Plastic Bottles to textiles

| Zoé

I created two series of photos exploring The transformation of plastic bottles one explores the different views and perspectives of the plastic bottle form encouraging the viewer to look from different different perspectives and angles and see the form differently and the other series of in-camera double exposure using the plastic bottles and transformed textile as a lens. Both series were developed sustainably using developer made out of coffee and delve into the mesmerizing transformation of plastic bottles into sheer curtain textiles. The intricate process unfolds as the bottles are meticulously shredded, repurposed into delicate strings, and skillfully woven into textiles. Both series explores and demonstrates that PET bottles should be considered as a valuable resource not waste.

PET plastic is favored globally due to its exceptional performance qualities and high recyclability. When heated and molded, PET can take on numerous forms, with plastic water and beverage bottles being the most recognizable. These bottles provide a hygienic, safe, and convenient way to package drinks.
The low melting point of PET, in comparison to materials like glass and aluminum, allows for easy and sustainable recycling, creating a closed loop system. Additionally, PET bottles can be repurposed into a wide range of products, including fabric for curtains, demonstrating their value beyond being discarded as waste. By exploring the various forms of these bottles shadow,silhouette and the processes involved in transforming PET bottles from shredded plastic to final products, it becomes evident that these bottles should be considered a valuable resource with immense potential.

Through the lens of these images, we are enticed to explore how the view of nature is altered when observed through this unusual material. The interplay of light and shadow, as the silhouettes of the bottles are layered with scenic views of the environment, creates a thought-provoking and visually compelling narrative. Encouraging us to reflect on the impact of our consumption habits, this series serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can emerge from sustainability and creativity intert.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

FORM-A DIFFERENT VIEW