The International WeLoveU Foundation hosted the “2022 Upcycling Challenge Webinar With Artist Deniz Sagdic” on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Keeping in step with WeLoveU’s Clean Action Challenge, June’s challenge is plastic upcycling. To spotlight the topic, the WeLoveU Foundation brought on Deniz Sagdic, a sustainable artist from Istanbul, Turkey. Ms. Sagdic brings global awareness to excessive consumption and waste problems through her upcycled artwork. WeLoveU’s Executive Director Duane Ford interviewed Deniz to understand the impact of her work.

The Source of Inspiration

Ms. Sagdic started her upcycling journey after being inspired by the environmental issues surrounding her. “First of all, consumers are my source of inspiration. I began to see a lot of unexpired objects wasted around me too often. I thought I could start taking action by correcting myself. I opened my closet and started to make artwork by cutting out clothes that I didn’t wear, or that were too tight, or that I didn’t like.”

After Ms. Sagdic noticed the severity of the waste issue, she profoundly took action by taking upcycling to another level. “When you look at my paintings from afar, you may think it’s an oil painting or acrylic painting. And you’re correct in thinking this way. However, as you move towards my art, you see that they are made of waste materials and everyday consumption items, and then new ideas start forming in your mind about these materials.”

Ms. Sagdic is determined to share her passion for environmental conservation with society. She considers everyone and how she can impact them. “Therefore, by using as much waste as possible in my art, I hope to inspire society to think, ‘If a work of art can be made, what can I do as a doctor, as a teacher, as an engineer, and how can I behave sensitively to the environment?’”

Plastic Problems

Plastic is one of the most common items consumed at an unwavering rate. The overconsumption of plastic has led scientists to believe that shortly, plastics will outnumber fish worldwide. Ms. Sagdic is greatly concerned about the plastic crisis and draws attention to it in most of her work. “That’s why I make two or three plastic artworks in every project to emphasize that plastic use is widespread and that plastic consumption needs to decrease. I have artwork utilizing various plastics, from water bottle caps, detergent boxes, and shampoo boxes.”

As plastic consumption continues to be a global problem, Deniz continues raising awareness, whether it be through her plastic artworks, her “Denim Skin” project, or her “Ready ReMade” concept, all designed to facilitate thought-provoking experiences about the environment.

Small Changes for a Big Impact

Making an impact on the environment isn’t limited to the artist alone. Ms. Sagdic spoke about how anyone can get involved in their daily lives. “I avoid using plastic bags. I avoid drinking water from plastic water bottles. When I purchase things from the market, I make sure that it’s glass instead of plastic.”

As small of a change as it seems, small changes can reduce plastic and make an impact. Ms. Sagdic continued, “For example, I bought this t-shirt and wore it for a while, and it got worn out. Maybe I can turn it into a bag by adding handles. After a while, I can cut them into small strips and use them as mats. After more time, I can use them on the floor of my car. So, there are so many different methods. We are the ones who decide its lifespan. While making this decision, the longer we use it, the more we save energy for the world and the environment.”

Both Deniz Sagdic and the WeLoveU Foundation were happy to discuss these pressing topics and will connect again in the future. Find more about her work on her Instagram, @denizsagdicart.