05 Jan >> Upcycling. Really?
I was just chatting to a well-known designer friend about our patchwork rugs. He, like everyone we speak to, loved them and the story behind each individual and unique piece.
He applauded the resurrection of selected historical pieces and how they are transformed into something beautiful and high-end that will once again become a treasured heirloom.
However, when our conversation came on to ‘upcycling’ he raised an eyebrow. His vision was of some old junk in the garage turned into a makeshift household item or garden feature. True, that does tick the box when it comes to the definition of the word, but it’s a description that must be put in context.
Upcycling or ‘creative reuse’ is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value. It’s also the process of turning an otherwise dated object into something contemporary without losing its historic value or quality of original craftsmanship but on the contrary, enhancing it and adding even more worth.
Instilling a certain passion and confidence into an acquisition, not dissimilar to acquiring a work of art, will not only extend the longevity of its existence in our lives but can only lead to a positive effect on the environment.
Handmade objects are inherently embedded with such concepts. Capturing and exploiting their natural features, exhibiting the beauty and character in a manner that allows it to flourish in the modern world…
This is the essence of upcycling.
