Recycled Plastic Sculpture Debuts at Broadway
A Captivating New Sustainable Art Installation at Broadway
Introducing Ripple, a stunning sculpture by artist Katharina Fitz, greeting visitors as they enter Broadway. Inspired by the intricate beauty of a wild bee’s nest, Ripple is fixed along a branch of the striking silver birch tree on Broadway’s outdoor terrace.
Future Makers & Near Now Collaborate for Change
Ripple represents the first public artwork outcome of a collaboration between Future Makers and Broadway’s Near Now, a studio for arts and innovation. Using equipment at Future Makers’ Waste Plastic Studio, Ripple was crafted from a unique hybrid material of recycled plastic and agricultural waste.
Katharina Fitz & Her Vision for Recycled Plastic Art
Transforming Plastic Waste into Art
Katharina Fitz is an accomplished artist, sculptor, and Biomaterials specialist.
Based in Nottingham, Katharina primarily works in sculpture and installation, often drawing inspiration from industrial processes and architecture.
Katharina wanted to shift the negative stigma attached to waste plastic into a valuable resource that can be collected and reused.
Inspiration from Nature
Taking inspiration from the coordinated efforts of bees gathering nectar for the hive's survival, Ripple is part of a series entitled Honeycomb with plans to develop a waste plastic collection point where individuals can contribute to a shared cause by recycling their plastic items.
Inspired by the intricate beauty of a wild bee’s nest, Ripple extends the sculptural narrative of Honeycomb, activating the outdoor space at Broadway. Crafted from a unique hybrid material comprising plastic and agricultural waste, Kat pushed and stressed its properties until reaching an imperfect and organic aesthetic.
How Katharina Embraced Recycled Plastic
Katharina began her journey with waste plastic at Future Makers in early 2023, followed by her participation in the Product Design Accelerator course last year, hosted by Future Makers and supported by Broadway’s Near Now Fellowship, below she shares her journey so far.
“This marked a significant turning point in my artistic development. The Near Now Fellowship granted me funded access to Future Makers' Waste Plastic Studio, providing a platform to learn a new craft.
This hands-on experience not only allowed me to explore a specialised craft within sustainable design but also distinguishes me as an artist and designer, potentially opening doors to further opportunities in the field.
The integration of waste plastic into my creative palette has enriched the visual language of my work”.
Katharina making sheet material at Future Makers Waste Plastic Studio.
“I was invited by Near Now to design a waste plastic collection point for Broadway, for which I additionally created a sculptural intervention for Broadway’s outdoor space.
The challenge of designing a bee’s nest suspended from a tree pushed my thinking into uncharted creative territory…this undertaking proved to be a deeply rewarding experience”.
“Working closely with Future Makers was a pleasure. Their expertise and guidance proved invaluable in navigating my material choices and processes, ultimately leading to the successful realisation of the work.
Thanks to the support from Near Now, I was able to learn to work with a new material and process and I am looking forward to continuing our journey”, Katharina Fitz.
The Ripple Effect: How Artists Can Get Involved in Recycled Plastic Art
Kat has also designed Honeycomb, a sculptural collection point for a waste plastic campaign set to launch at Broadway later in 2024.
These projects aim to create a conversation about waste plastic, exploring its value as a resource that can be collected and repurposed into meaningful, desirable arts and design projects.
Our Mission to Empower Artists with Recycled Plastic
Educating and Inspiring People on the Recycled Plastic Opportunities
Our mission is to educate and inspire people on the opportunities available with waste plastic, demonstrating through public artwork and artistic assets that recycling plastic waste can lead to positive and impactful outcomes.
Through these art projects, we are educating people on the importance of recycling plastic to reduce environmental impact and demystify the recycling process.
By highlighting the beauty and potential of recycled plastic, we are inspiring individuals to rethink their relationship with plastic and explore innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Community engagement is a key aspect, cultivating a sense of collective action.
Our public artwork and installations serve as advocacy tools, raising awareness and promoting practices that support plastic recycling and waste reduction, encouraging everyone to become advocates for change.
Join the Movement: How Artists Can Collaborate on Recycled Plastic Projects
Join us in our mission to turn waste into art. Discover the beauty of recycled plastic, participate in our projects, and become part of the movement for a sustainable future.
If you’re interested in supporting or collaborating with us, get in touch to explore how we can work together to create impactful and beautiful solutions from waste plastic. Follow us on social media and join our mailing list for the latest updates. Together, we can make a difference.
Bee’s Nest image credits: Katharine Fitz