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Two images of clear glass vessels. The first shows a vase with a stem shaped like a stacked bear, the second shows three abstract, sculptural glasses of varying heights.

Shari Mendelson recycles plastic bottles into ornate, playful vases

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Date
25 April 2012

We should be more aware that recycling is something kids do naturally. The amount of toilet roll tubes and egg boxes that were upcycled into magnificent artworks when I was younger definitely (maybe) made a dent in our wastage as a society. And while my Art Attack days are behind me, I still marvel at those who are able to create something out of nothing.

Shari Mendelson has achieved this with the humble plastic bottle, cutting it up into pieces to form ornate vessels that even your gran would be happy to have on her windowsill. I particularly like the pieces where the provenance is clear, with the original shape forming part of the sculpture or the print on the bottle remaining as part of the piece. Not only highlighting our wastefulness, this simple idea also alludes to the value we place on objects.

Two glass vessels stand side by side against a grey background. The left is a clear, bulbous vase featuring a “Pom Wonderful” logo, while the right is a frosted, ribbed glass bottle.
Above

Shari Mendelson: Pom Vessel and Vinegar Urn

A glass vase with a bulbous body and a narrow neck. The clear glass is textured with a repeating pattern of small, blue star-shaped bursts.
Above

Shari Mendelson: Blue and Clear Water Jug

A sculpture of a white, conical base supporting a network of curved pipes. The pipes branch outwards and upwards, ending in a series of small, teal-coloured cups.
Above

Shari Mendelson: Kernos

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

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Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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