Josh Blackwell transforms the humble carrier bag into these elaborate and colourful pieces of artwork, where he considers their previous life and easy throw away nature. Instead their degraded status is brought to life with beautiful, colourful stitching in geometric patterns where references to a past life can be made. Discover more of his art objects and installations that explore and challenge the purpose and use of everyday items at joshblackwell.com
The wonderful use of denim in these urban landscapes by Korean artist Choi So Young caught Patternbank’s eye this week. The way that Choi So Young puts to use second hand jeans using their pockets, seams, belt loops and buttons, which then become the windows, streets and buildings of her landscapes is like a painting in itself. Particularly clever is the different shades of blue, bleached denim and reverse of the fabric that feature in her pictures, usually of her hometown Busan. Some of her works have already fetched staggering prices at auction of over 2 million dollars and been sold by international auction house Christie’s. Patternbank love this idea of re-using items no longer needed and giving them a new and unexpected use. Already ideas similar to this are featuring in products for interiors where recycling something old and creating something new is a big trend. Check out more of her incredible artworks at artnet.com
Gee’s Bend art also stands out for it’s flair with quilts composed boldly and improvisation-ally, in geometrics that transform recycled work clothes and dresses, feed sacks and fabric remnants. For more info you can purchase the fabulous book, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend on Amazon
