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Portfolio
Something's missing from the "green" discussion.
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Artwork crafted from old baseballs. | 
Artist and Design Professional Philip Sassano | 
An entire Master Bedroom: Reclaimed & Repurposed. | | 
Two chairs made into a new bench. | 
An old cobbler's workbench or new kitchen island? | 
Lighting made from an old Victrola. | | | | | [ click thumbnails to open in a larger window ] |
As an artist, entrepreneur and consumer, I really think something’s missing from the promotion of the green movement. Yes, energy efficiency, recycling efforts, sustainable materials and the like are all important. But for now, it seems most of their practical application can prove costly, elusive…and to be quite honest…somewhat BORING. That’s not to say these messages and directions aren’t totally relevant, but one has to admit that their vision…is at least for now…limited and long term. Here is my question? Where is the discussion of the use of reclaimed and repurposed materials, as a way of practicing IMMEDIATE, meaningful and fun green strategies? One has to concede, beyond reclaimed flooring, timbers, doors and selected woodwork, this landscape is a bit ambiguous. Some even go as far as to label the concepts "thrify" or "artsy." Endless profiles of antique dealers, chic resale shops and their vague philosophies are helpful and informative, but lack depth. More often than not, the story becomes more about the person and their lifestyle, than actionable, “roll up your sleeves” green design intelligence. My point is, there are some incredibly valid visual and environmental statements being made by artists, homeowners and design professionals, that in my opinion, suffer from a serious lack of “green” exposure. Exposure that if framed in a creative, fun and educational manner, would inspire regardless of political persuasion or economic affluence. I guess I’m asking, where’s the instruction? Where’s the teaching of techniques and the resulting creative rewiring, that will change the bankrupt mindset of gut and toss…to reinvent, rethink and conserve? Where are the profiles of those engaged in saving and reinventing old furniture and other materials marked for meltdown? Where is the visual promotion of the creative use of historic materials and their unlimited decorative applications? Where are the stories of those who dare to offer new perspectives on blending new and the old elements, thus crafting environments with a sense of personal history? Are we destined to burn, bury or merely recycle our past? Have we lost our imagination in our quick fix consumer rush to acquire the “cheap” and “on sale”? And isn’t now the time to share our collective knowledge of proven ideas that will utilize what already exists? Maybe the time is right to think before we throw out…let little inspiration in…and engage in creative ways we can make a difference now. After all, not only is saving items with personal history meaningful and inherently “green”, but the process of reinvention can be rewarding, fun and in many cases…free. That’s good start for today, and thanks for the curious click. Please forward comments: (info@refinedrustic.com) | |
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