From Waste to Art: A Study on Student Creativity and Creative Expression through Recycled Materials in Art Education

The research examines the use of waste materials as a teaching resource in art classes. Third year students of Trabzon University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Painting collected and sorted textile wastes randomly thrown into the environment and transformed these materials into artworks by wood printing method in the school's printing workshop. In this study, which adopted exploratory, experimental and descriptive research methods, 12 artworks were analyzed. The study reveals the effects of instructional resources on classroom atmosphere, student performance and shows that improper management of textile waste contributes to environmental pollution with aims to draw attention to the effects of textile waste for increase environmental aesthetics and awareness in society. Within the scope of the Applied Workshop II course, students transformed textile wastes collected from the environment into works of art with wood printing method. Students were informed about the wood printing technique and the place of recycling in art, and in the light of this information, they transformed fabric wastes into artistic compositions. This process contributed to the students' practical application of their theoretical knowledge and environmental awareness. The works were designed according to the color element and the principle of balance. Artists use colors to describe and depict the subject. The principle of balance is important for a work to be clear and harmonious. Students were asked to create their compositions according to these elements. Students were encouraged to participate in comments and criticism and a program was organized to discuss art production together.