One of my first "up cycling" projects is finished. For years, I was required to save a percentage of the Bisazza Opus Romano glass I used to create the Terminal D mosaic medallion for the DFW International Airport Gate 38. Now that the deadline has passed, I can use the bright oranges, yellows, reds, purples and caramels in whatever way suits me.
Add to that several cases of the brown and tan "chocolate blend" that my friend Rafa gave to me after cladding his restaurant bar in the material. This color blend has long been my inspiration for a series of "chocolate mosaics," including a large, heavy garden rabbit who finds his home at Dallas' Dude, Sweet Chocolate.
Substrates for this sculpture are wine and food shipping containers that arrived at my home of the past few years. They're too strong and useful to throw away (plus, styrofoam in the landfill - yuck!). They've now been "up cycled" into a colorful, tactile tower.
Tower of Unmelting, Chocolatey Truffled Goodness, 2016 60 inches tall. Private collection, Dallas, TX.
Enameled glass, styrofoam, plastic, steel and cement-based adhesive. Suitable for outdoors. Inquire for purchase and display information. julierichey@mac.com.