Robert Bradford creates his life-sized sculptures completely out of old plastic toys that are no longer useable. This artist also uses other bits of old, colorful plastic bits and pieces that he can get his hands on such as combs, buttons, brushes and broken clothes pegs.
Bradford is a London-born and U.K.- and U.S-trained visual artist who also has another career on the side -- as a psychotherapist.
Back in 2002, Bradford started to consider the possibilities that his children’s old toys could become something bigger than just ending up on a landfill. Bradford says he likes the idea that the plastic pieces have a history, knowing that at one time they were personal. These sculptures also pass on a “cultural” history as each of the plastic bits resembles a point in time. Some of the sculptures contain pieces from up to 3,000 toys and they sell for up to £12,000! That is a lot of money for a life-sized sculpture made entirely of plastic toys.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Recycled Toy Sculptures
- Creating large-scale sculptures out of recycled toys provides an opportunity for creating unique and eco-friendly art pieces.
- Sustainable Art
- The use of recycled materials in art resonates with eco-conscious consumers, presenting an opportunity for artists to create sustainable and socially responsible art pieces.
- Nostalgia Art
- Artists can tap into the emotional connection people have with their childhood toys and create unique pieces that evoke feelings of nostalgia and memories.
Where This Applies
- Art and Design
- The art and design industry can innovate by incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly materials into their creative processes, appealing to consumers who value social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
- Toy Manufacturing
- Toy manufacturers can explore recycling programs and sustainable sources of materials to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
- Psychotherapy
- Therapists can incorporate art therapy techniques and use recycled materials as a therapeutic tool to help patients express themselves creatively while promoting environmental and social consciousness.
