You'd never know it, but in a past life this beautiful piece of art was an oil drum. Until recently, it was hanging at Environment ’s new LA showroom during a glamorous pre-Oscar party. And soon, it will be in my apartment!
The event, hosted by Vanity Fair, was full of champagne glasses clinking, beautiful people mingling, and great music spinning. But it also served the important purpose of launching Paul Haggis’ new nonprofit organization, BrandAid . BrandAid’s mission is to work with artisans in developing countries to launch their art to global markets. One of the artists involved is Haitian Serge Jolimeau, who is responsible for crafting the work of art featured above.
I was immediately struck by the metal work’s beauty, as well as its story. From an environmental and social perspective, it serves as a reminder that we do have the power to rethink what we typically consider to be “trash”. With a little bit of ingenuity (and not a small amount of talent), we can use it to create treasures.