My aim : to create desirable, accessible objects from everyday waste

The Ethos
I have always been interested in environmental issues, including the concepts of recycling, waste reduction and sustainability. Primarily my work uses as much recycled material as is possible, I encourage the local community to collect bags for me, so promoting the concept of recycling.

The design of my product is imperative, thus, they must be striking, interesting and functional objects, that they are made from recycled materials is a bonus! My work is created to last, so I hope that people will buy it to keep and treasure, so not feeding the mass consumerist market, however, if you do wish to get rid of it, it is completely recyclable itself and can be reformed in to a new product. (There are websites such as www.freecycle.com where you can simply recycle your unwanted goods)

Unfortunately few recycling points have bag recycling, however most Tesco’s seem to have bins inside their supermarkets. You can always send them to me, bright interesting colours are always gratefully received.

Technique
I began experimenting with plastic in response to teaching a course on glass painting; I decided that plastic was the future, or at least for me it was! I’ve been developing this technique of heat fusing plastic over the last 5 years, experimenting with different plastics, tools and methods to create new forms. The bags and other materials are collaged together, using heat to bond them. Each piece is built up in layers, gradually creating an intricate design. They are then formed in to different shapes, using specialist tooling.

Inspiration
My main inspiration comes from the material itself and how it can be manipulated in to new and interesting forms. My visual influences are eclectic, but focus around how manmade and natural forms interact and how things respond to weathering and erosion. The sea, rock formations and plant forms are often transposed as form, rythmns and patterns in my designs.

My history

I've just completed an MA in Creative Collaborations at Nottingham Trent University. (2009) This allowed me to explore how all the different elements of my practise work together so creating a more holistic approach to working. It supported me in developing my practise as a collaborative venture, my final project and hopefully the future for Bags2riches is to begin working with a fairtrade cooperative in West Africa.

I studied fine art at Edinburgh College of Art, where I experimented with a variety of found materials; paper, scrap metal, found objects and also natural materials such as mud and blood. I graduated in 1993. On return to Nottingham I developed a business making work out of paper pulp. I took time off art to train as a lecturer. Through the early years of my bags2riches experience I continued to teach part time, enabling me to fund the business. Bags2riches is now my sole income, though I still do occasional workshops and hope to do more residencies to allow me to pursue more of my art based ideas.

I hope my work inspires people to: recycle, reuse, reduce waste

For special requirements, please send me an e.mail: annaroebuck@bags2riches.co.uk