JACKSON, Wyo. — A combination of recycled clay, repurposed glass bottles and salvaged wood have a new lease on life in a captivating work of art through the Road to Zero Waste Public Art Program at Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR).
ISWR believes that art plays a unique role in educating and inspiring the public. By supporting artists who create work from discarded materials, the Road to Zero Waste Public Art Program encourages viewers to reconsider their own consumption habits and the potential of reusing and recycling. This year’s art installation is sure to prompt viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of consumption and waste, encouraging them to think critically about their own relationship with the environment.
Local artist Dahee Kim, shares her unique techniques with the public through her mesmerizing artwork entitled The Wisdom of Upcycling: A Mosaic Portrait of the Great Horned Owl’s Glance, now on display in the Recycling Center lobby.
“Through my art, I want to show the importance of protecting our environment by recycling and upcycling materials.”
Dahee Kim
The project showcases a magnificent great horned owl, made entirely from recycled materials. A combination of recycled clay, repurposed glass bottles, and salvaged wood have been intricately arranged to form a stunning, mosaic portrait of the majestic great horned owl.
“As you admire its features, the artwork seeks to convey a powerful message about the importance of recycling and sustainability”, says Kim, admiring a clay tile during a visit to her home studio. “The choice of materials in this project is significant, as it shows that even discarded items can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.”
Her words and artwork remind us that every action we take, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on our world.
Kim says her inspiration comes directly from nature and her family. After moving to Jackson, she became interested in wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Prior to moving to Wyoming from her home in South Korea, where she had always lived in large cities, she never had an opportunity to see a large animal or bird. Now she recognizes the gifts from the natural world that she can experience by just looking out of her window into her own backyard.
“When I saw the great horned owl for the first time, I fell in love”, she says.
Kim explained that the first time she saw the Milky Way is a moment she will never forget. She is passionate about sharing similar precious moments induced by the natural world with her children and working to preserve natural resources for future generations.
“Through my art, I want to show the importance of protecting our environment by recycling and upcycling materials,” Kim said.
But her attention to creative detail and intricate design doesn’t stop at the innovation to reuse materials. Kim masterfully incorporated hexagonal tiles into the design, creating a mesmerizing pattern that draws the viewer’s attention. The hexagon tiles emphasize her message of the natural world, as these shapes are often epitomized in nature, such as honeycombs, and represent harmony and balance.
As you take in this impressive piece, you’ll be inspired to consider new ways to reduce your personal waste and adopt more sustainable practices in your everyday life. The great horned owl will forever serve as a striking reminder that we must all work together to protect our planet for future generations.
The public is welcome to view the Road to Zero Waste Public Art installation produced by Kim in the Recycling Center lobby Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The artwork will also appear at EcoFair 2024 and other public events.
