Exploring the Use of Waste in Illustration: Expressing Personal Emotions through Recycled Materials

Abstract

This project explores the use of waste materials (metal, paper, plastic) in an illustration class at Universitas Komputer Indonesia to promote environmental sustainability and personal expression. Students from DKV 1 class participated, transforming recycled materials into artworks through a structured process involving thought mapping, sketching, material preparation, and assembly. Some pieces, like Finding a Way Out and When the Brain Stops Thinking, effectively conveyed themes, while others faced challenges in coherence and organization. The study highlights the importance of thematic alignment and mindful material selection in creating impactful art. By integrating sustainability into art education, the research demonstrates how waste can foster creativity, environmental awareness, and responsible artistic practice. It advocates for a more deliberate approach to sustainable art, merging ecological responsibility with individual expression, ultimately reinforcing the value of upcycling in fostering both artistic innovation and environmental consciousness.