Sustainability Practices Found In Abstract Art Created By Quamaine Giles
*** Guest Blog by Quamaine Giles – Abstract Artist ***
Waste is defined as “unwanted or unusable remains or byproducts of materials.” In America, the average person produces about 4.5 pounds of waste per day—given that the global average is 1.6 pounds per day, it is obvious that waste is a major issue in our country. The “waste” poured into our landfills every year includes 18.35 million tons of paper or cardboard, 12.14 million tons of wood, 26.82 million tons of plastic, and 2.98 million tons of other assorted materials.
What if we could extend the shelf-life of these materials? Imagine all of that paper & cardboard, wood, and plastic being reused and given new purpose into something that could be enjoyed over a lifetime? This is what I try to accomplish with my abstract art. I believe that there are plenty of ways to reduce waste and repurpose—I’m on a mission to discover them all through painting.
“My goal is to help redefine what we as a society consider waste.”
My abstract painting style could fall into one or all of the following categories: expressionist painting, regenerative art, sustainable art, or contemporary abstract art.
My Creative Process
I have a two-pronged approach to my goal for creating art—first, I make a concerted effort to evoke emotion, create connection, and encourage conversations with my artwork. Second, I leverage my consciousness about the current state of our planet to dictate the type of tools and materials I use to create my artwork. I intentionally create using things that surround me and can easily be repurposed into a tool or enhancer. From leftover wood scraps from my custom framing builds to old clothes that can easily be torn apart, it’s important for me to implement a regenerative approach in my creative process.
When I create an abstract acrylic painting, I always try to incorporate textures that make the viewer want to come closer and examine the artwork in front of them. I find creative ways to thicken the paint like using wood shavings from carpentry projects. I also create depth by adding found objects like disposable masks, leftover wood cuttings, and fabric pieces from old clothes.
Featured Sustainable Abstract Artwork
“Blu Cheese” | 36”x48” | Custom Frame Included | $2,000
This original (1/1) abstract acrylic painting was created using upcycled materials including wood cuttings, paper, and wood shavings. Each painting includes a hand-made custom floating frame. It is available for purchase here.
“The Stairs To Greatness” | 8”x12” | Custom Frame Included | $350
This original (1/1) abstract acrylic painting was created using upcycled materials including cardboard, fabric from old clothes, and saw dust. Each painting includes a hand-made custom floating frame. It is available for purchase here.
“Nature Boy” | 19”’x72” | Custom Frame Included | $2,000
This original (1/1) abstract acrylic painting was created using upcycled materials including wood cuttings, fabric from old clothes, and wood shavings. Each painting includes a hand-made custom floating frame. It is available for purchase here.
Impact
If there is one thing that I could have people walk away with after being exposed to my abstract artwork, it would be for them to see the beauty in things that we normally wouldn’t. Not everything is “waste”— waste is entirely subjective.
There is only one Earth that we have the privilege of calling home. Let’s save it by redefining our definition of waste and investing in the lifespan of this planet—and why not “do our part” while enjoying beautifully curated abstract art with a sustainable mission.
About Quamaine: Quamaine Giles is a black Abstract Artist based in Atlanta, GA. His multimedia art is supported by a regenerative approach using things readily available in his space as paint application tools—from scrap wood & cardboard to old clothes & fabric. When he’s not creating compelling abstract paintings, you can find him tattooing his minimalist, deconstructive designs or building custom floating frames. Keep up with Quamaine on Instagram and his mailing list. For media inquiries, please email contact@itsallthingscontent.com.
