Reuse Inspiration: Beer Can Butterflies

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Oh my goodness, these beautiful butterflies by artist Paul Villinski are rocking my socks!

In his artist statement, Villinski says:

Who leaves these crushed beer cans – forlorn evidence scattered in the streets of the city? I take these “dead soldiers” – every one of them once raised to someone’s lips – and breathe new life into them, changing them into images that suggest the possibility of change itself. A kind of conceptual unity develops between materials, process and imagery: my practice in the studio mimics the act of transformation that butterflies symbolize everywhere, in all cultures.

Our grandchildren will laugh in disbelief at the vast resources we squander, manufacturing a plastic bottle for a pint of water, or mining aluminum to surround 12 ounces of beer with metal. One generation’s trash will be another’s treasure. These littered beer cans are humble, but worthy materials, and it’s gratifying to take this “trash” and turn it into something of beauty and meaning.

What a beautiful way to keep aluminum out of the bin! These lovely pieces really speak for themselves, so rather than go on about them, here are some more photos:

[VIA Little About All]

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