Apparently, the energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. It also causes 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials. This is not what I say, but those who scientifically map the data tell us. A modern glass bottle would take 4000 years or more to decompose and even longer if it’s in the landfill. So why wait for over 400 years when you can create a magical piece of modern art with the used glass? Why ever make new glass to adorn our homes when the old one will serve in equally good if not in a better fashion?
It is not just the thought of those who are concerned for the planet but also those amazing artistic minds who take great delight in converting the worthless in to the sheer spectacular not because they have but quite simple because they can. That is exactly what John Bassett and his amazing craft does. He has the most wonderful and amazing collection of artistic pieces made out of recycled glass. If one takes a look at his entire collection then one is almost mesmerized and bamboozled by the sheer audacity and creative zest that is involved in his attention to detail.
Anyone can take fresh raw materials and craft what they desire out of it. It is only the imaginative artistry of the select few that allows them to make a difficult task possible; even easy at times. John Bassett has been making these amazing glass panels and sculptures since 1979, long before green crafting was all the rage. John creates his works of art out of used bottles, chandelier parts, and other glass scraps. John says that his interests are in light, structure, line, texture, balance and color in that order.
I have mostly been impressed by the way he put his interests in order. Not only does that show his clarity of thought but also talks of the importance he gives to lighting. As a very big fan of both painting and photography, I can relate totally to that and love the way he put lighting right at the top. Lighting the right way can truly make a lot of difference, apart from the fact that you can play with angles and shadows. The work is not just stunning for the look that it carries but the sheer fact that he is doing the planet a mighty favor for nearly 3 decades now by converting glass in to sheer class!
