Ken Marquis has been in the art business for almost four decades now and still he is continuing to make a significant mark in world of Arts. Over three years back, he started 'The Landfillart Project' that calls for artists from every state and 52 countries to recycle hubcaps into wonderful artworks. Aiming for 1041 works of art, he has been successful in getting over 800 submissions from different artists worldwide.
Ken, 60, is based out of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The goal of the 'The Landfillart Project' is to get people thinking about the amount of trash they generate - and, perhaps, to reduce it.
Idea evolves from taking 41 pieces of old hubcaps and converting them into 41 pieces of Art; the second step being finding 1000 talented artists to contribute in this project. "The third phase will involve publishing a book on the project showcasing all one thousand forty one (1,041) completed “metal canvases.” The fourth and final phase will involve choosing 200 metal canvases that adequately represent the project and create a traveling show. The book and traveling show will publicly portray the global art community's effort to positively impact the environment through re-purposing previous metal waste into great landfillart", shares Ken.
It is an honor for us to have Ken Marquis on our blog for an interview. Catch it below with some of the hubcaps masterpieces:
Though I have read about your 'The Landfill project'' but our readers would love to hear a bit about it from you. What is it all about?
Landfillart is an art reclamation initiative involving artists on a global level. The purpose is to have artists repurpose old discarded automobile hubcaps by creating great art using them. The completed art pieces are gifted to the, not for profit, Landfillart Corp.
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| Steve Einhorn |
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| Sarah Thee Campagna |
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| Ellen Berdinner |
How did the idea of starting this project strike to you? We would love to know about its inception.
In August of 2008, I was attending a car show in Macungie, Pennsylvania where I came upon a vendor selling old hubcaps. I picked one up and had a "eureka" moment. An idea was hatched. That day I purchased 41 old hubcaps and three weeks later purchased an additional 1,000.
What was the first incident that made you realize that your idea has started taking a shape?
Early on I realized how great a project this was going to be. That moment was when the first completed piece was given to me.
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| Jean Adams |
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| Mark Chatterley |
What would be your biggest satisfaction out of this project?
One would think that my greatest satisfaction would be the fact that I've spearheaded the largest artist initiative-over 1,000 artists worldwide working together on one project. Others would think my greatest satisfaction would be the fantastic Landfillart collection, which already has over 800 completed projects to its credit. As satisfying as this is I think my greatest satisfaction has been the opportunity to work with, and in many cases, get to know (via the internet) so many talented artists from 52 countries and every state in the United States.
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| Zella Bardsley |
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| Keri Joy Colestock |
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| Jan Henderson |
What are you expecting..what would be the next breakthrough in this project?
My expectations- I am hoping to have The Landfillart collection completed (1,041 total art project) in 2012 at which time I will get involve in phase II of the project-publishing the Landfillart book highlighting the complete collection. The final phase will involve placing 200 Landfillart pieces into a traveling show.
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| Eric Lankford |
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| Suzanne Miller |
Share your fondest memory through this journey of ' The Landfill project'
I have many fond memories of the last three years. As an example:
- Having the first project completed
- Receiving the first international art project (Berlin,Germany)
- Having a group of mentally challenged artists participate
- Having 6 Native American artists representing 6 different Nations participate
What would you like to say to the potential artists for this project who still haven't participated yet?
I am still looking for 150 professional artists to embrace The Landfillart Project. I would ask them to consider joining this exciting global art reclamation project and repurpose and create a piece of art that others can enjoy. The statement all of these artists are making is simple: We need to be less wasteful, as well as, learn to reclaim, reuse, and re-purpose.
And a final word for our readers..?
As I've called upon artists to join this project, they've responded by saying "Yes". Why? Because, generally speaking, artists get it!! As a group I have found artists to be environmentally involved, and have a sincere interest in their planet and our future.
Have a look at this extensive video about 'The Landfillart Project' by AP:
The concept is really awesome; the intention behind this project is worthwhile and of course, the artists who are participating are doing a wonderful job. An artist's responsibility is not limited to only producing good art but producing good art not at the stake of environment.
As this project is aimed to be completed by 2012 and the wait is still not over to have those 150 more artists submit their work to this noble deed, it would be a pleasure for us if this small feature about 'The Landfillart Project' could help Ken reach his goals. Our best wishes are with you, Ken.
If I would be a Pro Artist, I would have definitely participated but I can always persuade our readers who are also artists to become a part of it. Thank you so much for being with us, Ken!
wow all these designs are great examples of metal artwork. i love the banjo look and also really enjoyed all your pieces.