Art awards a unique twist on recycling

Recycling will take on a whole new form in October, when the Rockingham Foreshore comes alive with artworks of all shapes and sizes for the ninth annual Castaways Sculpture Awards.

Last year’s winner and long-term entrant Carol Clitheroe is urging the region’s artists to take a risk and enter the recycling art competition, which is considered the city’s premier art event.

Clitheroe said she spent the past year thinking about ideas and was considering using plastics.

“The exciting thing about Castaways is that you’re using materials you wouldn’t normally use and it gets you outside your comfort zone,” she said.

“It’s always great to try new ideas, play and experiment and see how far you can push a material.

“Once you’ve done Castaways you tend to look at things differently and see the potential in more materials.”

Clitheroe explained that a piece she entered in the 2013 exhibition was a trial and error with recycled plastics.

“I knew it was going to be a heart and I wanted it to be red but plastics I found were not the right colour,” she said.

“Then at a carpark I saw a broken brakelight and knew it was exactly what I needed.”

Orignally held in May, the exhibition was moved to later in the year with hopes the weather will be more favourable, given the past two years have been cut short due to rain and strong winds.

Mayor Barry Sammels said the event highlighted the City’s commitment to recycling.

“It is a serious artistic competition in Perth and we are very proud of its local ownership and important recycling message,” he said.

“I encourage residents and visitors to check it out this year.

“Entries are coming in now and there are going to be some mind bending pieces on display this spring.”

Entries close June 3.

Clitheroe encouraged artists and sculptors wanting to enter the exhibition to attend the free Develop Recycled Sculpture workshop in April, when participants will have the opportunity to create a piece and learn about installation techniques and the entry process.

For more information, visit www.rockingham.wa.gov.au.