Recycling Materials Turned Artwork: Fred’s Experience as First Artist-in-Residency
On April 30, Fred Lisaius wrapped up his three-month stint as our first artist-in-residence at the BelRed Arts Studio. At the end of his time here, he presented a 36” x 18” sculpture made out of recycling materials encased in yellowish “amber”. See what he had to say about his time at the BelRed Arts Studio.
Thank you Republic Services for being our inaugural partner partner for this first residency!
Pictured: Fred with his sculpture he made during his artist-in-residency
Q: Why did you apply for this artist-in-residency?
A: I applied for the artist-in-residency because the theme was "environment". My "amber" sculptures address the need for more concern about our pollution and the health of our planet.
Q:In your three months at the studio, please describe what you made.
A: At the BelRed Residency, I created about 16-24 inclusions for the large "amber" sculpture that I made. The inclusions were insects, plants, and other things, made from found objects. The found objects were debris I pick up off the ground and streets. I also was given a tour of the Seattle recycling building where I was able to collect found objects for the sculpture.
Q: What was difficult about the project? How did you solve it?
A: One of the difficult things about the project was having a place to pour the resin for my sculpture. It was 36" x 18" x 3". This required a larger studio with good ventilation. I was able to use my studio in Seattle. After the resin set up, I was able to put the sculpture in it's welded stand and with help deliver it to BelRed Arts.
Q: What was fun about making this artwork?
A: It was such a fun and interesting project! This was the largest "amber" sculpture I've ever made and it opened new opportunities for the future. Making the insects from found objects takes patience and time, but it is also fun watching the found objects become insects, plants and other things.
Bug encased in real amber
Q: What inspired you to create this artwork?
A: The thing that inspired me to make this artwork is the opportunity to inform people of our need to keep our planet healthy. Real amber from millions of years ago shares the beautiful environment from that time. My amber sculpture is a statement about our environment today and the need to treat our planet much better for future generations.
Q: You held a community workshop on April 24 during Earth Month to give people a chance to create their own artwork, what did you love about it?
A: The small resin creatures everyone made for their amber were so creative and fun!
Q: Where can people find your work?
A: People can find my art at Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle, and at the Seattle Art museum Gallery.
