Art Drop #1: The Perth Amboy Dumpster
Some news, some behind-the-scenes and access to our first limited release art drop.
News
The big news that is all-consuming for us right now is that we are moving our studio and lives to Western Massachusetts at the end of the summer – new opportunities, new surroundings, and fresh inspiration await in the Berkshires! This is the realization of a long-term relocation project and we are anticipating a major surge of creativity ahead.
Expressive Dumpsters
Recently, while making selections for our new home and studio, we visited a metal roofing and siding factory in Perth Amboy, NJ. On our approach to the sales office we instantly clocked a beautiful piece of large industrial abstract art moonlighting as a dumpster (that’s a skip to those of you in the UK). I (Diana) actually said to Tom “I’m calling dibs on that dumpster!”
While I was standing among the detritus composing what we refer to as “found abstract art,” a couple of workers (who were in fact using said dumpster) approached us. My pulse quickened because in this kind of moment, you do not know if you will be treated as trespassers or greeted with curiosity. Sensing their approach in my peripheral vision I looked up from my camera ready to disarm any reproach and said “Oh, hi! Don’t mind us, we are artists and we like to photograph rust.” Without waiting an instant I showed them a sneak peak from the LCD screen on the back of the camera. The response was unexpected: “Oh sh*t that’s amazing! You’re talented!”
It took a reframing of the ordinary and in an instant they saw the dumpster with fresh eyes. Had we not been there would they have ever realized that they were working amongst such beautiful abstractions? I wonder if either of them took some photos of their own? Will they notice expressive dumpsters in the future? Tom and I are always looking out for oxidizing metal but honestly, dumpsters in particular don’t often have desirable color combinations or textural beauty forged over years of use. It takes an exceptional one to grab our attention and lure us in as artists.
Which brings us to the big reveal…
Art Drop #1, June 2023
We’re excited to launch our inaugural art drop showcasing a collection of photography prints from the Perth Amboy dumpster. This is a limited release lasting only ten days – these prints will cease to be available at midnight EST on June 10, 2023, with no expectation of this work seeing the light of day again for another year at least. Click below to access the art drop!
Many thanks for reading and supporting our work as independent artists. Buying a print is one way to further our work, as is becoming a paid subscriber. If you know someone who would enjoy our newsletter or you think needs to see these dumpster-derived industrial abstract artworks, please forward this on to them.
If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time…
Great first newsletter, lovely read about noticing the unseen. I'm also very curious about your new studio.