One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

That saying certainly holds true for two creative women I’ve recently become acquainted with: Sayaka Ganz and Janet Otter. They see possibility where others see problems and pollution. They reuse, remake, recycle, reimagine and repurpose. They make beautiful art creations from discarded plastic.

They will likely never run out of materials because their main medium is things made from plastic—from hangers and eyeglasses to netting and laundry containers.

 

My introduction to this art:

While in Monterey, California last year, I came across this super cool art installation made from reclaimed plastic at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. One of the artists was Sayaka Ganz. I was so intrigued by her work that we commissioned her to make a seabird for our home. Now we have two—one as a modern hanging art piece (Nannette), and the other one fits in the palm of my hand (Nori). I use Nori to educate kids and adults at author events. People love when they can identify pieces of the bird. “Oh I see a spoon!” “Is that a piece of a hanger?”

Janet Otter—love the last name!—came into my orbit when a fellow author introduced me to her work. What drew me in were the vibrant colors of the beach litter she collects. I foolishly asked her if she painted the plastic because I couldn’t believe that plastic that had been in the ocean for years could one day wash up on shore and still look bright. And then she reminded me of the very thing I try to teach people: Plastic is forever.

 

I asked Sayaka and Janet a few questions about their passion for plastic and here are their answers:

1. In what country are you based?

Sayaka: USA, Indiana

Janet: the Netherlands, Delft

2.What are a few words to describe your art?

Sayaka: 3D Impressionism

Janet: Collage, Ocean Plastic, Recycled Paper

3.How long have you been doing this sort of artwork, and what was the inspiration for beginning such an endeavor?

Sayaka: I have been making animal/natural forms with plastic objects for 17 years, and before that I was making animal forms out of scrap metal. I love all forms of visual puzzles, and to me this process is like a giant puzzle!

Janet: Fifteen years ago I started collecting plastic on the beaches of Bonaire. In remote areas, so much marine waste washes up from South America, and it’s really heartbreaking to see. Other artists collected driftwood to make art and signs. I thought to myself, “I’m not going to do that.” What can I make with all this colourful plastic waste? That’s when I started using it to create vulnerable sea creatures. The ultimate contrast: colourful and cheerful plastic and adorable animals, highlighting the fragility of the animals threatened by this pollution. It’s a great way to start a conversation about sustainability and recycling.

My work has become a powerful tool to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. By using the plastic waste I collected from the beaches, I’m able to create beautiful sculptures that serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans. It’s not just about creating art, but also about sparking conversations and inspiring others to take action. Through my work, I hope to encourage people to think about their own consumption habits and the long-term effects they have on the environment.

4. Do you collaborate with other artists who also make sculptures from discarded plastic? If so, who?

Sayaka: I have worked with Aurora Robson; her work is fantastic! We have not collaborated where two or more artists work together on a single artwork. Our collaboration was an installation/exhibition together at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE in 2018.

Janet: I have never really thought about whether I would like to collaborate with other artists. I do have artists that I admire, such as Janet Ormond and Mishvania from South Africa. It seems very exciting to me to do a project in a place like Bonaire or Bali where we could, for example, organize beach cleanups with students and then create art that is exhibited there. This raises awareness but also creates connections.

5. What are the majority of your materials made from? Is it all plastic or is there also wire, paper, etc.?

Sayaka: I would say that about half of all my sculptural works are in plastic, and the other half in metal. I have made a paper sculpture; I also make prints and collages.

Janet: My artworks are made entirely of plastic which I connect using hot glue. Each piece is carefully constructed in a way that allows it to stand on its own, using items like flip-flops as support structures. So far I have only created hanging works: 3D objects that lie flat against the wall.

If I were to create larger or freestanding pieces, I would need to incorporate support structures made of materials like wire. The plastic has become brittle due to exposure to the ocean and is not strong enough to support itself. This change in approach would allow me to explore new possibilities and dimensions in my art, while ensuring the stability and longevity of my creations.

By the way, in addition to using plastic, I also use old paper to create collage illustrations. I cut out scenes and use them to make illustrations. I find that using different materials adds depth and texture to my artwork, and it allows me to create unique and interesting pieces. I enjoy the process of finding and repurposing materials to bring my illustrations to life, and I love the tactile nature of working with paper and other materials. It’s a fun and creative way to express myself and share my art with others.

6. Where do you find your materials? Are there specific beaches you frequent?

Sayaka: Most of my materials come from thrift stores. I don’t frequent any beaches, unfortunately. I live in Indiana. I call my plastics “Pre-beach plastics”.

Janet: I collect most plastic waste on Bonaire, part of the Dutch Caribbean, where my in-laws reside. This beautiful island has become a treasure trove for me, as I frequently find various items while exploring its shores. However, I believe that every location I visit presents an opportunity for a cleanup and a chance to hunt for hidden gems. Whether it’s a beach, a park, or any other area, I always feel inspired to contribute to the environment while searching for unique finds.

7. Is the collected trash really those bright colors or do you sometimes paint them to better “fit” a work in progress?

Sayaka: I generally don’t paint my plastics, but they are mostly in better shape than ones that have ended up on the beach, worn by sand and water. Plastics have their pigments mixed in, which makes them glow to varying degrees depending on thickness, and if I paint the surface this quality gets lost.

Janet: I never use paint to alter the colors of my items. Everything is utilized just as it washes up, including any tar stains. I process everything exactly as it is found. The only step I take is to wash the plastic with a disinfectant and allow it to dry in the sun for several days. This way I can ensure that the plastic won’t be smelly.

8. Do you have collectors—helpers who are also gathering plastic for your artwork? If so, how many helpers?

Sayaka: My mom is always collecting for me, and I have several friends who collect for me. I’d say maybe 8 or 9 people, but in terms of volume I don’t get a large percentage of materials from them.

Janet: My husband assists me in the search, and recently a friend also pitched in. However, up to now I have mainly been doing it on my own. It’s also a kind of meditative activity that I find quite calming and fulfilling.

In order to potentially expand in the future, I am exploring possible collaborations with projects like Clear Rivers in Rotterdam, who are developing analog devices to make rivers plastic-free. However, many of these kinds of organisations expect you to take on a large amount of plastic right away, which I am not equipped to handle, nor do I have the ambition to do so. Therefore I am still in the process of finding an ideal partner on a smaller scale.

 9. How do you organize your materials? Labeled bins—by size? by color? by material? Large piles? You don’t organize and it’s a free-for-all?

Sayaka: Mostly by color into clear bins so that I can see what’s inside without opening every bin. But there are always some things that are too large for the bins, or in a very unique color, that I have to find special storage space for.

Janet: Up until now, I have large storage bins organised by color. This takes up quite a bit of space, especially since my attic studio in our house is 12 x 19 feet with a slanted roof. 😉
Additionally, I have a bin filled with soda bottle caps, and I am in the process of keeping small figurines and other (old!) toys separate, as those are truly the real treasures.

10. Do friends/acquaintances/strangers suggest ideas for future art projects, thinking they’re being helpful? (I ask this because I’m always getting unsolicited advice about storylines. For ex, “Carolyn, you should write a book about coral…or mosquitoes…or mollusks.” If yes, and you do get ideas, what’s the oddest thing someone has suggested? And have you made it yet?

Sayaka: I do get a lot of suggestions, and I hardly ever make something because it has been suggested.

Janet: I often receive ideas from people who think they are brilliant. They believe it’s easy to create something quickly, and everyone is eagerly waiting for my art. While their enthusiasm is heartwarming, it’s also a bit naive. Most of the suggestions involve creating much larger pieces (like the traveling whale as large as a house), having museums clamouring for my work, and the possibility of becoming wealthy from it. Haha. However, when it comes to actually purchasing a piece, those same people often find it too expensive. Suggestions for certain (sea) creatures are fine, I write them on my longlist and leave them there 😉

11. Social media handles:

Sayaka: Instagram: sayakaganz_reclaimedcreations

Janet: instagram @studiotinypieces – Website studiotinypieces.nl

12. Where can people (specifically in the USA) find your work to purchase?

Sayaka: The best way is to email me at: sayakaganz22@gmail.com

I don’t usually keep much of an inventory because storage for just my materials is already a lot.

Janet: Lately, I expanded the reach of my Etsy shop to cater to customers worldwide. I offer a variety of items like cards, prints on bags, notebooks and pins. The main challenge lies in the high shipping costs, which often exceed the price of the products themselves, making it difficult to attract international buyers. I do not to sell my art pieces there though. Most of my art pieces are made to order. Customers can reach out to me either through Instagram or via email at janet@studiotinypieces.nl to discuss their preferences. It’s worth mentioning that shipping artwork to the United States comes with a hefty price tag (shipping + insurance), which is why I have refrained from offering this service so far.

Despite the shipping constraints, I am open to exploring alternative solutions or discussing customised options with interested buyers. People are free to contact me if they have any specific requests or inquiries regarding my artwork. I am grateful to anyone who understands and supports me as I navigate these challenges in the online marketplace.

13. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Sayaka: My traveling exhibition “Sayaka Ganz ~ Reclaimed Creations” will be in Houston, TX next opening in January 2025 at the Health Museum. Please check out my website for more details.

Janet: I absolutely love the opportunity to connect with such a different side of the art world in this way. Thank you for this collaboration! I just received your book in the mail and I’m really looking forward to diving into it. With an otter on the cover, it’s bound to be delightful!