PR for People® Reviews:
BOOKS:
The term upcycling has been around for two decades, but in the last five years the concept has really caught fire. The term connotes a thoughtful type of recycling in which old products, repurposed creatively, achieve enhanced value.
Two recent books explore this trend in the world of interior design.
“Modern Upcycling” was originally published in Sweden in 2013, with an English translation published last year.
Authors Susanna Zacke and Sania Hedengren are Sweden’s answer to Martha Stewart. They promote a clean aesthetic of vibrant colors against white backgrounds. But the upcycling projects they propose look like typical craft activities – recovering cushions with vintage fabric, gussying up flower pots, crocheting afghans with leftover yarn.
This reviewer’s verdict? It’s only an OK thing.
London-based interior design arbiter Antonia Edwards offers a more sophisticated take on repurposing materials and objects in her new book, “Upcyclist.” Thriftiness and environmental concern may be all well and good, but Edwards wants us to understand upcycling as an art form in its own right.
The book is organized by material – there are chapters on wood, textiles, metal, and so on. Edwards profiles the work of 45 cutting-edge artists and designers from around the world who are reusing these materials in provocative new ways.
In Beirut, designers Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri create one-of-a-kind furniture and art installations from recycled rice and coffee bags.
In Los Angeles, Inghwa Ting repurposes leather belts as flooring and wall paneling.
Multidisciplinary artist Carolina Fontoura Alzaga turns old bicycle parts into spectacular chandeliers installed in public venues on two continents.
But please – couldn’t somebody have drawn the line at using Victorian-era urinals as a coffee bench in a London café?
“Upcycling” includes a few head-scratchers such as this, but at its best, the book spotlights how artists are challenging conventional perceptions of the material world.
Barbara Lloyd McMichael is our ground reporter in South King County, Wash., and author of the syndicated book review column “The Bookmonger.” Her PR for People® Book Review is written exclusively for The Connector.
Upcycling from good to great
By Barbara Lloyd McMichael
Modern Upcycling –
Susanna Zacke and SaniaHedengren
Skyhorse – 128 pp - $19.95
Upcyclist –
Antonia Edwards
Prestel – 256 pp - $45