Ruby Re-Usable working with 3rd graders to create Trash Trolls, part of the City of Olympia's Waste ReSources recycling and composting outreach education program
Ruby Re-Usable is also known as Diane Kurzyna. For over 20 years, she’s been working in the wonderful world of trash art. She makes life-size sculptures (and some creepily awesome baby dolls) out of plastic bags. She coordinates art shows, events and projects in the Olympia area. And since 2001, she’s brought trash art to the classroom as teaching artist in Washington State.
Horizons Elementary School students and their dolls
Working with the community is an integral part of my life as an artist, especially since my art work is about recycled materials. It is a way to connect with people, get the message out about creative reuse. And I am also inspired by the participants in these workshops, there is a give and a take, I always come away with useful information and new ideas.
Ruby’s work is inspiring, and not just because she started it long before trash art became hip&cool. What I find most exciting is that she brings her “make art not waste” mentality to kids, and teaches them about recovering and repurposing useful materials. Would that we were all raised with that attitude toward trash!
Most people like the various kinds of recycled art workshops that I have offered; of course, one can not please everyone all the time … some people can be condescending and even rude, but for the most part, folks are delighted to discover novel ways to reuse the stuff that they usually discard.
Avanti High School students make calaveras
Ruby’s a prolific artist and teacher. Find more at her official site and Flickr, read her blog, see her upcoming events, buy her plastic babies on Etsy, or hire her to teach at your school.
Here are some of my favorite photos of her work, both in and out of the classroom:
8 Comments
I love the Wonder bread dog. And the blue girl. And that she’s been at it for so long is awesome.
Yes! The blue girl is my favorite too. So touching and awesome, it isn’t about the materials at all. I think a lot of trash artists (including yours truly) are still stuck on showing off the materials, instead of just making art.
Makes me want to get out my old blue painter’s tape and ask the neighbors for their grocery bags. Hmmmm…
Heya, Hun, thanks for paying attention to lil’ ol me here on the Left Coast … did I mention that the blue girl was a ten year old girl? she is my fave, too! so sweet!
meant to clarify the folks can be ” … condescending and even rude” remark: some people want to know what my REAL media is, some dismiss my work because it is not stone, metal, wood or other traditionally accepted artistic materials, some say things like ” oh, how fun!” but think that what I do is for kids … oh, I could go on and on! but the awesome folks who get excited about ordinary materials being transformed into extraordinary art keep me going!!
I am a serious artist with a sense of humor, love, etc Ruby
Ruby is pure love and trash all the way!
Well, I can’t say it any better than that. Seconded.
Only serious artists have the guts to present their work to kids. Just sayin’.
Ruby / Diane has been a daily inspiration to me since 2007. Not only an incredibly talented artist and teacher, but she has been a mentor to me at times–so helpful and kind. I am honored to know her, and continually wowed by her never ending creativity.
I am also thrilled by this blog…and its celebration of those who work with “trash” and “found” materials. Thank you so much Love & Trash !!!!!!
Ruby is an inspiration. Her work is trashtastic. So good to see the next generation taking up trash art!
Leila