I’m Trash
Jade VandenBrink
Trash, as defined by Merriam-Webster.com (2025) dictionary, is “something worth little or nothing”, “a worthless
person”, or “something in a crumbled condition or mass”. However, I don't think this is or should be the only way to
look at it. I believe that the words we use to describe objects directly affect how we treat them. By defining the word
‘trash’ in an extremely negative light it is hard to feel any other way about it. By altering the definition of trash in
a positive way, we might be able to adjust our expectations accordingly. By thinking of trash as “something of value”,
“person of high accord”, or “something in pristine condition”, we might have a better chance of treating trash as a
friend instead of foe. Allowing us to tackle the trash problem we face as an opportunity to do better. This paper will
dive into the association we have with trash and how that affects what we do with it.
In a world where trash is overpopulating us, how can we redesign trash to mitigate the problem? The problem is greater
than us as individuals, but if we take the matter into our own hands we can manipulate trash as a material and a social
construct. If we are able to change our point of view, it could be enough to make a difference of some kind. I have
always struggled with what is the best way for me to be sustainable and what is possible in my life to alter that can
make a difference without hindering myself. This paper explores trash through my eyes and those of other thinkers,
artists and entrepreneurs. Let's talk about trash’s untapped potential. We will explore the journey I had from feeling
like trash to reusing my trash.
Exhibition Motion Design
Adhi Nugraha inspired me with his exhibition of functional electronic art displayed at the MoMA in 2021. It is the epitome of using the discarded, as inspiration, that is rarely seen as art. I wanted to bring to life the fun thatI saw in his craft. How something so “worthless” was created into something so useful and beautiful. I want his work to be brought to life through motion and interaction.
Angler Fish
This piece is a depiction of an angler fish made of trash. It is part two of my “Trash Lamps” project. Why must we use new materials to create objects that can be made with anything? The paper is handmade from the trash in the images that make up the fish. When we think of the marine life that is affected by pollution in the ocean, we only think of the ‘cute’ or ‘popular’ ones such as turtles and dolphins. But the underdogs are affected too. Just because we don’t see what happens to them doesn’t mean they aren’t equally affected. Jade VandenBrink, “Angler Fish”, 2023
No is ok
A speculation of the female urge to everyone yes and that we are capable of anything and completing tasks that aren't necessarily our responsibility. This sandal will leave an imprint behind that allows others to see that saying no doesn't have to be a bad feeling. We should not be ashamed of saying no and should embrace and empower others to stand up for ourselves, especially young women.
Recycle NYC
A book created on handmade paper from paper recycling waste. It is almost impossible to know what is possible to recycle where you live. New York city has certain requirements that I want to make fun and exciting for the everyday person. I wanted it to be a cute side table book as well and straight to the point and informational. Doing the right thing for the environment shouldn't be hard or complicated… or ugly. Maybe we should recycle our own items in our own lives.
Trash Family Photos
So much is thrown away every day. But why can’t they get dressed up and get trashy photos taken as well? Crystalized trash with borax (that could further be used directly in the laundry) finding others similar to themselves and taking photos that mean nothing to anyone else to themselves. Why did we take those ugly family photos? Because it was cute? Definitely not. But because we are family and when you are family the only thing that matters is being together.
Future trash
In a world far far away they find the remains of our civilization. They can only guess what these scraps of civilization were used for.
Trash Lamps
Why can’t anything be a lamp? It is a shame that new materials must always make up an item. Why not reuse something that seems to have an end of life at the consumer point as a new life as soon as it enters the house? Why must it be trash?
Globally, an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is produced annually. It is one of the most wasteful industries
in the world. Reusing deadstock, creating your own clothes and thrifting items that are otherwise fated to the
wastelands, are good acts to fighting textile waste. This quilt was inspired by making quilts for someone that needed to
be empowered and employed. Mine was inspired by the underdogs of nature that are being poisoned by our mistakes.