As I began working with the massive supply of bottles that accumulate in the art room, no not because our department is always in a good mood, but because people donate stuff to us all the time. We use bottles, most commonly for still life drawings. Spray paint them white for great shadows, leave them alone for great reflections, stick a flower or two in them for great vases! The opportunities are endless. So seem to be the bottles!
So, what to do with all of them? Besides the obvious of throwing some out after a while, or recycling them, we tried melting them!
Over the last year or so, I have come to know a great chef named Clive Berkman. Although he lives in Houston, he has made his name famous by cooking for people such as George Bush, to pro football linemen! His cookbook Empty Bottle Moments is what drew me to him. I was searching for what to do with empty bottles and his name and cookbook came up on my google and facebook searches. Strangely enough, I ran into him at a show in Katy where he was sharing his story and his truffles! I was hooked! I though for sure, there must be a reason I had run into this man, his story, and his book at such a wonderful time. His concept of each bottle having a story to tell is what gave me the idea for this project.
My "empty bottles and their jewelry" have stories to tell. Some are my own stories, some have stories which will never be known! What do your bottles have to share? Stories of a vacation? A romantic event? A celebration?
What better way to preserve them than to have them as a functional piece of art?
Purchase a premade serving tray or hanging work of art, or provide your own bottle for your own special memory!
