Constructing the Basics
Irvine, CA
2025, Senior, Interactive & Multimedia
Project Description: This mixed-media artwork combines traditional art made with colored pencils with recycled plastic sculptures to create a symbolic ecosystem. By combining environmental symbolism with repurposed materials, this piece bridges visual art and sustainability, encouraging reflection on how we can shift from consuming to renewing.
Reflection
The idea for my piece came from observing how nature continues to regenerate even in the face of pollution and destruction. I was especially inspired by the role of mushrooms in ecosystems; they quietly break down what’s old to nourish new life. Their role in ecosystems reminded me that transformation often starts with what’s overlooked. I wanted to explore the connection between decay and renewal, and how both exist together in nature. That led me to include bugs sculpted from recycled plastic, materials we usually throw away, now reimagined into forms of life. These bugs represent both the damage we cause and the resilience of the natural world. They show how something harmful can be reshaped into something meaningful. I chose recycled materials and sculptural elements because I wanted to physically transform waste into something symbolic. I’ve used repurposed materials in past projects, but this time I wanted to challenge myself to go deeper. The process itself became a statement about renewal and perspective. My message to viewers is that even small choices matter. Reusing materials, noticing nature, or changing a habit can shift how we relate to the world. This piece invites others to reflect and reimagine, choosing creativity, curiosity, and care.