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Plastic Portraits

Mary Ellen Croteau's Bottle Caps Create a Face Larger Than Life

— September 20, 2011 — Eco
Artist Mary Ellen Croteau’s Bottle Caps is a colorful and visually attractive representation of the usefulness of everyday objects. Plastic bottle caps are an object that generates interest among artists because of its multifunctionality and decorative qualities.

Departing from the preoccupation that plastic bottle caps can’t be recycled, Croteau began collecting caps of diverse colors until she realized that when you put them together their different shapes, colors and sizes could form fantastic creations. Therefore, inspired by Constantin Brancussi’s iconic modernist sculpture, Croteau created her self-portrait of 8 feet by 7 feet. She gathered together her bottle caps collection and put it on a white board.  

The result is striking as an artistically larger-than-life human face comes to live thanks to colors and non-recyclable materials.
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling - Opportunity for artists and designers to create unique and visually appealing works of art using everyday objects.
2. Sustainable Art - Emerging trend of using non-recyclable materials to create environmentally conscious artworks.
3. Multifunctional Objects - Exploration of the diverse uses and decorative qualities of everyday objects in artistic creations.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Opportunity for artists to explore new materials and techniques in their creations.
2. Waste Management - Possibility for innovative solutions in recycling and upcycling non-recyclable materials.
3. Environmental Sustainability - Promotion of eco-friendly practices and creative initiatives to reduce waste and pollution.
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