This method is built upon traditional mosaic art, in which colourful stones of any size are put together to create an image. This image can vary in its form, shape, colour and size. It can be implemented into the floor or on the wall. It is a very ancient tradition of art making and it is used up to today.
The art of mosaic making is taken up from its traditional form and can be found also in, for example, jewellery, in which stones are put together to create an artistic design for example for a ring, a necklace or a bracelet.
The main aim in the art of mosaic making is to create an aesthetic experience through naturally given substances - which is mostly stone or glass but mosaics can also be made out of clay. In the modern day the materials vary heavily - such as paper or cloth.
Who uses this practice ?
This practice is used by many organisations and art spaces, even by artists one of them being Mike Valley, who is using caps to make artistic portraits of famous people:
Who are the main target groups of the practice ?
The main target group can be anyone who is interested in this method.
What is the objective of the practice ?
To reuse and recycle objects to create art and an understanding of circularity.
What preparations and materials are needed for this practice?
Most preferably plastic caps of bottles in any colour and size are needed. Furthermore one needs glue and a canvas which is strong enough to hold the caps and not tear from the plastic cups weight.
How long the practices can take?
Once enough caps are collected, depending on the size of the picture that one wants to create, the practice can take up to many hours. In average 4 hours should be enough to finish a medium sized canvas.
How many participants can be involved ideally?
Generally speaking there can be as many participants involved as the facilitator feels comfortable with, as this method is rather easy to attain and does not need much understanding to perform it.
What is the main short term and long term impact of the practice on the participants? (are these clearly identified?)
The participants learn that not everything that we have learned or come to know as trash is indeed trash, that many things can be reused and transformed into artistic pieces.
They will learn that they themselves can become creative in an easy and eco friendly way.
This practice can change the way of how participants see themselves and the environment they live in, finding more value in everyday objects.
What are the main tangible results?
Art pieces created of everyday mundane things
How are these results promoted/disseminated?
Preferably in an exhibition or online on social media.
How can the practice be readapted?
This practice is very easy to be readapted. One can use all sorts of materials, such as old cloth, paper, pieces of jewellery, wood, broken plates, mirrors etc.
