When Mark Seeger initially dropped by Ferndale’s
The It’s About Time Cultural Arts Center
He wished to talk about African art.
Mark stopped by one day since I have an African art collection, which I display in the front window whenever there isn’t a standard gallery exhibition,” owner Sasch Stephens recounted to the Bellingham Herald during an interview at the gallery on Thursday. “One day he walked through the doorway and asked, ‘Hey, I’ve got some as well. Want my pieces?’
Instead, the pair came up with an idea for “It’s About Time.”
upcoming event and “grand re-launch”
—one centered around recycled art.
Seeger mentioned
his own work
— robot figures crafted from recycled kitchen gadgets — were presented to Stephens, who believed this aligned well with his vision of transforming the center into both a community art hub and an exhibition space.
There are art galleries nearby where people have viewed paintings and such, but nothing quite like this,” remarked Stephens, who also creates sundials. “This really motivates folks to start making their own creations.
A recycled art exhibition kicks off in Ferndale
The duo also included several other local artists known for their use of recycled materials. The final outcome is the gallery’s second exhibition showcasing this theme.
Seeger’s bots
Alongside works by Bellingham’s Alicia Wills, Lummi Island’s Lee Mosley, and Orcas Island’s Ron Glassett, the exhibition commenced at noon on April 18. It will be open on Fridays and Saturdays until May 31.
“I mentioned, ‘Let’s involve others who are working along similar lines and create an entertaining, reuse-themed production,’ and that’s what we ended up doing,” Seeger stated.
Seeger has presented the broadest spectrum of his creations so far, mostly focusing on bots but also including several other sculptures.
I’ve created more than just robots,” Seeger stated. “I’ve also crafted masks. If you wish to refer to them this way, I’ve madepartials. Additionally, I’ve constructed utensil people. And let’s not forget about my collection of ray guns.
As per Seeger, the reused aspect of his artwork serves as more of an extra benefit rather than the main focus.
“I simply enjoy the concept of discovering components that I can use to create something. Plus, if this helps keep items out of the landfill, it’s an added bonus,” Seeger stated.
Mosley’s creations share similarities with this as they also consist of humanoid forms constructed from common items. Nonetheless, his artworks typically incorporate lighting elements and emphasize the portrayal of the figure’s head.
I’m constantly looking for heads,” Mosley stated. “I flip them upside down and add a pair of glasses. If it appears to be an intriguing character, I think, ‘Okay, that works.’
Why recycled art?
After Mosley spotted a teapot decorated to look like a face, he started creating recycled art. He was eager to implement his own improvements on the concept.
“The people had done what everybody does, which is just put the teapot in the lid and some sparkly things on there, but the noses are always going the wrong way,” Mosley said. “I thought that’d be so much better if it were turned upside down. And so I bought a few, and pretty soon I started making things.”
Mosley stated that a significant part of crafting recycled art involves being observant of your surroundings in everyday life.
“Since I am visually oriented, I perceive things constantly through sight. When you observe a shoe placed somewhere, it seems to be shouting out due to this portion of the shoe resembling an opened mouth,” explained Mosley. “Thus, even a simple pair of worn-out shoes can possess personality.”
Glassett’s creations may exemplify recycled art more than those of the rest of the group—he gathers materials from the Lummi Island junkyard and assembles them according to his imagination. Although he will not attend the gallery opening, an extensive collection of Glassett’s pieces is showcased on a table located in the rear-right corner.
The walls surrounding the sculptures and figurines display Will’s collages. Each collage focuses on a specific theme or feeling, using materials sourced from magazines, calendars, and greeting cards.
It’s primarily about allowing your subconscious to express itself,” Wills explained. “We go through magazines, and whenever something catches your attention, you tear it out and set it apart. Then continue flipping, tearing out more pieces that resonate with you.
How to attend the Ferndale Recycled Art Exhibition
Although many concentrate on the ecological effects of recycled art, Wills pointed out that its true distinction lies in how enjoyable it is to engage with.
Wills remarked, “One interesting aspect of recycled art and exhibitions featuring such work is that they tend to be enjoyable.” He continued, “Contemporary art may sometimes appear solemn. Scenic vistas certainly captivate with their beauty. They command an entirely distinct form of admiration. However, reclaimed artworks frequently turn out to be either highly entertaining or intellectually stimulating. Could you share where you sourced the materials for your collages?”
Wills mentioned that unlike typical art exhibitions, this display is designed with equal appeal for both children and adults.
“It’s the sort of art exhibit that I believe will amuse people,” Wills stated.
“It’s About Time” can be found at 2013 Main Street in Ferndale. The exhibition will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on April 18-19, and then from noon to 4 p.m. each Friday and Saturday thereafter until May 31.