Garbage Art — One Person’s Trash
Rock Paper Scissors
Oakland
Feb. 2, 2024
Is there treasure to be found in garbage? I sometimes walk around the streets in Oakland and San Francisco, wishing that everyone could see the beauty that’s not always evident, whether it’s in the people who live and work here, the marginalized communities that people sometimes try to avoid, or even the potential beauty in places that just need some love, care, and attention. Art in unusual places or from out-of-the-ordinary materials, whether it’s murals and graffiti on abandoned buildings or under bridges, or works from discarded items and odd bits and pieces, conveys the often-overlooked idea that there’s beauty to be found in unexpected places.
That seemed to be what Rock Paper Scissors Collective was trying to promote at this exhibit. It’s not a new thing to take discarded items — garbage — and try to repurpose them into something artistic, expressive, and lovely. But meeting the people involved in shepherding artists and growing the community of artists is also a kind of treasure in itself, one that adds depth and meaning to the work.
I’m one of those nerds who think everyone has something beautiful to offer the world. When I can see this in action, there’s a sense of fulfillment that you can’t find in well-trodden museums with lines-around-the-block exhibits and selfies galore.
There’s community to be found in Oakland, and Rock Paper Scissors Collective has already spent a couple of decades building it up. Founded in 2004, the local all-volunteer nonprofit focuses on promoting “the sharing of ideas, skills, and resources through the celebration of art, craft, education, and performance.”
The cozy front room of the center displayed dozens of works by local artists in the community for this exhibit. There wasn’t necessarily a central theme, but the emphasis seemed to be on color, exuberance, and cultural expression.
Adorning the corner of the room were colorful papier mache masks and figures, garlands and mandalas of giant paper flowers popping out from the walls, collages, paintings, postcards, and flags. Nothing gave away the idea that this was art made from “garbage.” But the sense of satisfaction and pride from the artists was palpable.
I chatted with a librarian who holds creative workshops that make art from found objects at local branches. She introduced me to one of the artists, a hearing-impaired woman who proudly held up one of her works — a vibrantly decorated, glitter-strewn collage of a hand signing the word for “love” — along with a T‑shirt for the event.
“These workshops have really helped the community, which has been impacted by loneliness, especially since Covid,” she said. “It’s even helped me, as an older woman in the community who’s also seeking community.”
She also invited me to a workshop at the main library this month. She teaches students from all backgrounds and experience levels how to create art from found objects, like Amish knots, which are round wall tapestries knotted together from strips of fabric.
Before leaving, she stopped to chat with guests congratulating her on her students’ work. She was giving a ride home to one of the artists, but seemed happy to linger and chat and bask in the glow of the company and the art for a little while longer.
