For the second year running we donated a skip full of scrap to the art students at Coleg Y Cymoedd, who turned raw materials into a broad range of creations as part of their upcycling projects.
Jeremy Spencer, a 3D Lecturer in Art & Design at Coleg Y Cymoedd, visited our Newport site for a grand tour and discussion with site manager, Jason Andrews, to determine which materials would be suitable for the art class. Jeremy explained, “The donated recycled materials form the raw ingredients that our students creatively ‘upcycle’ into objects of value both functionally and aesthetically.”
Once the materials had been chosen, we gathered the team and worked together to fill a skip and get it delivered it to the students.
The results were incredible! Upcycled products ranged from sculptures made from reclaimed pallets to functional furniture.
We caught up with Megan Barker, an Art and Design student at Coleg Y Cymoedd, who told us about her upcycling experience: “I haven’t always been a maker. Despite this I have translated my creativity into making, wanting to embrace all of the splinters and hot glue burns that come with it! Although I’ve adapted, being confronted with the task of producing a piece from recyclables was challenging, however diving into the skip and stumbling upon hidden treasures was inspiring, thinking about the potential for each piece of someone else’s old belonging.
“The generosity shown by GD Environmental Services in their donation of the recycled materials is extremely helpful to us budding artists as it gives us the opportunity to broaden our creative minds. I am very thankful for the donation and love that my sculptural pieces carry a story beyond the aesthetics.”
Jeremy added, “A visionary company like GD Environmental Services shares our course’s values of sustainability and ensuring recycled resources are made the most of. I very much hope to continue and develop our relationship in the future with their kind support.”
We certainly hope so too, a great job all round!