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Ever Widening Circles

AlejandroLinaresGarcia // Wikimedia

Arts

7 minute lesson

From Trash to Treasure: Copper Art!

Ever Widening Circles

Did you ever think that trash could be changed into something beautiful?

In Michoacán, Mexico, artisans are turning scrap copper that comes from defunct engines and burnt-out wires into stunning works of art steeped in tradition. Filmmaker Mariano Rentería Garnica takes us through the process in which Mexican artists transform scrap metal into works of art!

Why It Matters

These artists are not just re-using materials that would be wasted otherwise. They are turning trash into copper forms that twist and come to life.

By imagining a way to create art out of something unique, they create beauty out of something that would have been detrimental to the world otherwise.  Think of how many beautiful things we could make with everything that goes to waste!

Let's Talk About It
  1. What are some other alternative materials artists might use to create?
  2. How might the materials artists use represent their culture or where they are from?
  3. Just as the copper artists saw their materials change over the course of time, can you think of any traditional artforms or customs close to you that have changed as technology has changed?
Image: Filmmaker and Director

Mariano Rentería Garnica

Mariano has served as Producer, Director and Director of Photography in different audiovisual projects, mostly documentaries. He is a self-taught director and photographer. His work has been presented at international film festivals and festivals such as the Morelia International Film Festival, DocsDF, Cinélatino Festival – Rencontres de Toulouse, San Diego Latino Film Festival, Edinburgh Film Festival, Guanajuato Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival, DOK Leipzig, Hot Docs in Canada, CAMERIMAGE in Poland and the Cannes Critics’ Week program, among others.

Thank You

Thank you to the EWCed writing staff! If you want to submit content to EWCed, please let us know.

Citations

“Mexican Handcraft Masters / COPPER.” Vimeo. Mariano Renteria Garnica, 04 Jan. 2018. Web. 17 July 2018. <https://vimeo.com/249749574>.

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