From Trash to Treasure: The Artistic Alchemy of Cathy Ehrler and Kathy Rennell-Forbes
The duo behind Studio Z Atlanta have returned for an encore. “eARTh: ART is important to the EARTH”, their second show benefiting KGBF, features new pieces made from recycled materials and occurs this weekend. Join us for a conversation about the beauty of nature, creative conservation, and the importance of practicing sustainability.
Kathy Rennell-Forbes & Cathy Ehrler pose in front of Studio Z
Let's start off by sharing with our readers a little more about the show. Cathy, you'll be showing "Pollinators, Playfulness, and Posies", a collection of mosaics made from upcycled trash, and Kathy will be exhibiting "Colorful Blooms", a series of repurposed watercolors. Can you tell us more about your materials and the themes you've chosen?
Cathy: By turning waste into beauty, I aim to raise awareness about the overwhelming trash in our world, emphasizing sustainable practices. I choose subjects that are affected by or affect this situation. My previous series was "Endangered", and “Pollinators” is a natural progression. I always love to have a bit of playfulness in my work.
Kathy: My materials are my shredded watercolor paintings and repurposed panels. My older pieces hold many memories, but no longer meet my standards, as I have grown as an artist. I chose to create flowers because I love them, and their shapes go really well with the organic paper I create from the repurposed watercolor paintings. I’m especially drawn to poppies, a popular wildflower that can symbolize peace, imagination, messages inspired by dreams, and beauty.
Describe one of your favorite pieces you've created for the show. What's the story behind it?
Cathy: "Trashwork - Butterflies" is one of my most recent pieces. It is a mosaic symphony created from aluminum cans, broken CDs, egg cartons, cardboard boxes, twist ties, and various other recycled materials. This piece should spark dialogue and advocate for the enduring flourishing of the natural environment. The transformation of caterpillars into butterflies is a reminder of the awakening of our senses to the natural world.
Kathy: " Poppy Party", the mixed media piece shown below, is one of my favorites in the exhibit. It shows the lushness of these gorgeous wildflowers—I love the playfulness of these bright red poppies as they celebrate and dance in all their glory and beauty. They have overcome many obstacles to bloom and delight us.
The artists with some pieces from their upcoming exhibition
In what ways do you hope your artwork contributes to raising awareness about environmental issues? What role do you believe recycled art can play in promoting a more sustainable lifestyle and mindset?
Cathy: We all need an occasional reminder to motivate us to treat Mother Earth with dignity and respect. Hopefully the pieces I create can inspire, remind, and motivate each of us to do our part.
Kathy: Instead of tossing my older works into a landfill or bonfire, Cathy encouraged me to think beyond that and try to create something new that helps the environment. I am so glad I did. I’m excited each day about the new things I can create and paint. I still love painting plein air watercolors and scenes, but now if it is not my best work, I can repurpose a piece into something bigger and better. I hope this makes other artists rethink what they can do with their creations and expand their horizons. Almost everything can have a second or third life—the possibilities are endless.
Cathy working on “Trashwork - Butterflies”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating art from recycled materials?
Cathy: The creative environment is packed with things you can reuse. If you are an artist, look around your studio for existing materials to use in unexpected ways, and search for materials that are nontoxic and natural. Reuse frames and repurpose any materials you find.
Kathy: Don’t delay, just get started and learn as you create. Incorporate things that are significant to you.
Visit Studio Z on Saturday, April 20 from 1-8pm or Sunday, April 21 from 1-4pm to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and browse their new collections. You’ll support Georgia’s environment and be able to take home something beautiful