“I have never liked boxes of any kind, but you have to understand the box before you can step beyond it.”
After a period of extended of stress and anxiety, it’s important to figure out some way to get paid for playing and constructively express these emotions as a way to work through them, thereby revitalising the soul. Through her ‘Out of Nothing Comes Something’ art course, international Saatchi artist and sculptor Michelle Markram, is giving people of all ages the opportunity to indulge in a form of ‘art therapy’, creating magnificent pieces from recycled waste. The next two-day course ‘Concrete and Organic Vessel Candles’ will be held on 6 and 13 October; with ‘Egg Shell Pendant Lights’ on 1 and 15 October – both at Markram’s Glenwood-based studio.
“People are desperate for inspiration, now more than ever. We drive past beautiful flora and fauna lying discarded on the road every day, not realising that it is a gem which can creatively inspire us,” explained Markram, the owner of Waste Wizard Global and founder of the African Green Revolution. “We throw away heaps of trash that can be magically transformed into magnificent art forms. Through this course, I’m opening up a new line of creative enquiry that calls on attendees to take another look at what they consider waste. It’s time for me to pass on the baton to a wider audience and teach all I know and I have gleamed over the years.”
Markram has made a name for herself as a uniquely talented individual with a multi-purpose vision of empowering disadvantaged communities through her ‘cash is trash’ innovations that seek to heal the natural world as well. Through her organisation, Waste Wizard Global, she trains unemployed individuals in the art of manufacturing usable products from waste. This has led to the establishment of the African Green Revolution, a movement whereby Markram has helped formulate a design to create low-cost housing completely from recycled goods.
Drawing on her experience, Markram has created the ‘Out of Nothing Comes Something’ courses which are tailored to support budding artists looking to further their skills and generate an income by selling creations through her website (www.mmconcepts.co). Each lesson will demonstrate the wealth in waste, while empowering artists with new skills in upcycling and re-purposing.
“Sorting out your rubbish helps you sort out your life,” continued Markram. “The ‘Out of Nothing Comes Something’ courses clear the path and help attendees find a way to make money while playing. The courses are more than just creating beautiful elements from waste. It’s a psychological beacon of hope as you reflect deeply inward throughout the process of realizing that the smallest thing you discard can lead to your greatest art form. In so doing you are given pause to reflect upon who you are, what you are and what are you put on this planet to do. ‘Out of Nothing Comes Something’ teaches us including myself to be grateful for every leaf and piece of plastic on the floor. – when you sort out the rubbish, when you de-clutter, you’re throwing away. This new line of creative enquiry is about respecting everything you’ve worked for, right down to an old box. There’s a use for everything. You find respect for yourself, and everything around you.”
Out of Nothing Comes Something upcoming two-day courses
Course: Concrete and Organic Vessel Candles
Dates: 6 and 13 October
Times: 10am to 1pm
Venue: 151 ZK Mathews Road Glenwood
Cost: R900 per session. Coffee, tea and cake are included.
Space is limited to 8 people per session so it’s important to book early. Course information and details are emailed upon placement. Please bring along own candles.
Course: Egg Shell Pendant Lights
Dates: 1 October and 15 October
Times: 10am to 1pm
Venue: 151 ZK Mathews Road Glenwood
Cost: R1000 per session. Coffee, tea and cake are included.
Space is limited to 8 people per session so it’s important to book early. Course information and details are emailed upon placement.
To register for either course or to find out more, WhatsApp 067 600 9207 or email michellemarkramconceptss@gmail.com. For more about Michelle Markram’s inspired artwork and initiatives, visit www.mmconcepts.co
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