Upcycling involves converting everyday objects into art without breaking them down. The creativity in the materials gives it more value.
In a world where the environment cries for attention, upcycling stands out as a beacon of creativity and sustainability. It’s not just about recycling, which takes our discarded items back to square one. Upcycling is the art of transformation, where the Philippines’ vibrant student artists learn to see not just trash, but potential treasures. They’re taught that with a dash of imagination, an ordinary object can skip the recycling bin and jump straight into the world of art, often emerging more valuable than before. It’s a lesson in looking beyond the surface, finding beauty and purpose in the unexpected.
At CIIT, students are encouraged to embrace the philosophy that art isn’t confined to galleries or studios; it’s all around us, waiting to be discovered and brought to life. They’re taught that with open eyes and a creative mind, anything can become a masterpiece.
Join us as we dive into the colorful realm of upcycling, where every discarded item is a canvas, and every student artist is an alchemist turning the mundane into the magnificent.
Benefits of Upcycling Everyday Objects into Art
Upcycling offers several environmental and creative benefits. That’s why schools provide tips for Filipino students on how to do it, such as in Baguio City as heard in the news. Here are some of the benefits of upcycling:
- Reduces the amount of accumulated waste
- Conserves the use of raw materials
- Minimizes pollution from manufacturing facilities
- Promotes sustainability and environmental conservation
- Improves students’ knowledge and technical skills on how to learn design
- Encourages innovation and creativity
- Builds a community that creates networking connections
- Provides economic opportunities
Samples of Upcycled Everyday Objects into Art
Upcycling can cater to different types of art students. Here are some discarded objects that can be creatively upcycled:
Plastic Bottles
Reports say that the Philippines alone generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually. It is time to upcycle plastic bottles into:
- Garden planters
- Bird feeders
- Quirky chandeliers
Clothes
According to the United Nations (2019), the clothing industry is a major contributor of waste and pollutants. Zero-waste fashion is a trend that everyone should support. Clothes can be:
- Reimagined into a new design
- Transformed into rugs or tote bags
- Made into pillowcases or blankets
Furniture
Old and worn furniture could still look fresh and new! Revive your furniture by:
- Reapplying a new coat of paint
- Replacing old fabric with new upholstery
- Convert it to a different functional piece
Grecian Vaces and Steampunk-Themed Artworks
The recent project of CIIT students featured wonderful tapestries painted on vases of various shapes and forms. Featuring the rich culture of the Filipinos and Asia. In addition to these vases, the students also created sculptures molded into Steampunk-inspired pieces. These artworks featured upcycled and reused materials to create a retrofuturistic feel.
The Upcycling Movement in the Philippines
Upcycling has proven to provide a lot of environmental and creative benefits. In addition, the upcycling movement is very much present in the multimedia arts in the Philippines. Now is the perfect time to channel your passion and creativity. CIIT’s comprehensive programs are designed to equip you with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of arts and design. CIIT provides the perfect environment for your artistic and technological aspirations to flourish. Integrate your love for arts and design with environmental concern with upcycling techniques you can learn when studying media and visual arts at CIIT. Enroll now through this link!
