FROM RACHEL GREEN: Plastic is a ubiquitous substance that dominates our contemporary environment. Plastic is strong, moisture resistant, and durable, giving us the comfort of cleanliness. We wrap our food in it sometimes in multiple layers, drink from it, play with it and dress in it but because plastic never disappears only breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces filling our water and air, we also consume it. Plastic particles act as a magnet for a variety of toxic particles. Our nylon and polyester clothing shed microfiber threads in the wash that go into the water system to ultimately reach the ocean. These microfibers may be the largest source of plastic pollution in our ocean.

 

In the form of a quilt which symbolizes comfort and caring, Plastic World/Plastic Ocean substitutes the traditional cotton fabric and batting for a plastic shower curtain with the image of the world melted onto a crazy quilt of polyester and nylon clothing backed by blue plastic tarp. The large gyres of plastic waste are marked by melted plastic bags sewn onto the top.  All the layers are attached by colorful bottle caps that act as buttons to hold all the layers together.

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My sculptures combine traditional craft techniques and discarded materials to examine rites of passage and to examine the relationship of the individual to society and the natural environment. Everyday materials are used to make a satirical comment on the nature of play and work in the face of rapidly changing technology and a culture where the “must haves” of today become the obsolete trash of tomorrow. 

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PIECE FOR MAKING WAVES

Plastic Ocean, 2017

Post Consumer Plastic and Clothing

25" x 34"

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PIECE FOR MAKING WAVES:

Plastic World/Plastic Ocean, 2018

60" x 36"

Post Consumer Plastic and Clothing

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PIECE FOR MAKING WAVES:

Shipcycle Figurehead, 2018

12" x 21" x 24 

Post Consumer Plastic Toy and Clothing

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Header Image:

E-Waste Quilt

36" x 36"

Cotton, Dye, Screen-printing, Digital Photos, Circuit Boards

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