Thirst02

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Artist: Elise Vazelakis

Title: Thirst02

Attribution: 2022, Thirst02, Elise Vazelakis

Year: 2022

Materials: Reclaimed Yarn from Thrift Store Sweater, Plastic Bottles, Wire Mesh

Dimensions: 40H x 35W x 35D inches

Image Statement: Vazelakis' artistic practice involves accumulating objects in her environment as a way of documenting things left behind, giving them an alternative life as a record of her history and the consequences of the climate crisis. Her piece “Thirst” was inspired by the construction crews consuming and disposing of thousands of water bottles while rebuilding her home that was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. To create this work, she collected hundreds of plastic water bottles left behind by the construction crews and knitted them with reclaimed yarn sourced from thrift store sweaters. Wire mesh was also used to create the structure of the piece. Through her use of repurposed materials, Vazelakis highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices and the impact of consumerism on the environment.