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EnviroHouse Art
In addition to more than 150 permanent green products, the EnviroHouse features an ongoing, rotating art exhibit by local artists who use existing or "found" materials in their work. The EnviroHouse continually seeks submissions from artists with recycled-content artwork. Artists may refer to the art submission/selection guidelines (PDF) for more information.

EXHIBIT: Jan. 30 through April 25
Work from artists Pierce Elaine Davis, Jenny Fillius and Leo Schmidt make up the current art installation at the EnviroHouse, where artwork made from more than 95 percent salvaged material is showcased.

Pierce Elaine Davis        

Phone: (253) 573-0483
E-mail: piercedavis@peoplepc.com
Web site: sepiashades.blogspot.com

Artist’s Statement
I am a photographer who makes boxes.  While I’ve made them for quite a while ~ childhood comes to mind, I’m always and forever exploring.  

It’s a relatively simple talent in a family steeped in the rural practice of “Make-do”. My grandfather became a master carpenter and cabinet maker by running from the south to the sea going ships of the north. But he knew the value of hanging shelves for kitchens and work rooms, when times grew hard. My grandmother made the finest lace one could imagine, but understood the need of a well sewn shroud during the depression. “Wear it out, refashion what’s left, and use it some more”.

An old shed could make a great many kitchen utensils. And flour, grain, or salt sacks; in the hands of one who knew vegetable dyes and French stitching could fashion something truly fine. In such an environment I was encouraged in all my ‘creative explorations’.

I enjoy working with materials that are tossed or no longer wanted. The cardboard, twigs and newsprint used in my boxes, are gathered in my neighborhood. I think of my boxes as bookcase or table treasure chests. In a world where Keepsakes often are lost, the small things need a safe place too.

The "Travel Series II" series is so named because I am the aunt of a great many nieces and nephews who wanted to know what it felt like to go out to see the world.

Biography
It’s difficult for me to write an artist’s Bio, not because I don’t recall what I’ve done but because of all the fences I’ve jumped in the doing. Having finally reached my sixties I’ve come to think of myself as an artistic Jill of all trades.  And while photography has been my tap root, time and training has taken me through web design, theatre production and teaching/stage directing (mid 70’s Seattle) and writing, and I mustn’t leave out arts administration.

The creative challenges me in so many forms, but working with three dimensional ideas often gives me joy. And that is where my boxes ‘of the moment’ come in.
Please look at my photography as well.  I work in Sepia and in an abstract way it gives insight to my boxes.

Jenny Fillius       

Phone: (206) 932-5882 
E-mail: fennyjillius@gmail.com
Web site: www.ladybugcircus.typepad.com

Artist’s Statement
The work I create comes from my imagination first. Anything can trigger an idea, an overheard expression or story, something I see on my way to work; literally anything. These ideas get sketched out and eventually end up as an artwork in recycled tin or more accurately recycled sheet metal.

By repurposing used metal food containers, gleaned from dumpsters and many other sources; deconstructing them to be reconfigured into something other than their original form or intent, it becomes artwork as a still life or a narrative piece. The metal has had its life, served its purpose and now with its scratches, dents and unknown history, it is reinvented.

Biography
In 1972 I had my first show of drawings at the Richmond Art Center in California. I was 13 years old. Ten years later I went to the California College of Arts and Crafts and after two classes I dropped out. Over the following years I’ve happily explored a multitude of media and have shown and sold my work in fiber arts, painting, assemblage and now tin. Everything I have experimented with has only added to whatever I have taken up next. It is here with the metal that I have felt most at home.

Leo Schmidt 

Phone: (206) 459-0696 
E-mail: Lampcycle@gmail.com

Artist’s Statement
From the Lego blocks of childhood to a professional career in transportation design, I have always been fascinated with the way things are made. For many years this drive manifested itself in designing and building mechanical objects, but as time passed I found becoming more involved in art and design. What started out as using my tools and training to assist friends in their artistic endeavors, led to my own artwork and eventually a new focus for my life. Over the last 10 years I have created large scale lighting installations, metal sculptures, furniture and custom bicycles.

Lampcycle, my current project, was inspired by the beautiful patinas that well ridden bikes acquire and the passion and loyalty that bicycle owners feel. In this series I use discarded bicycle parts to create handmade lamps, clocks, and other products. I hope everyone that sees my work is impressed with its quality, and enjoys its fun and beauty!

Biography
Leo Schmidt is a Seattle-based artist who creates functional art from found objects and recycled materials. He has a background in automobile restoration and was educated at Western Washington University as a vehicle designer. These technical and hands on skills allow him to disassemble what modern society throws away and remake it into something new and unique. The shapes, textures, and patinas of the pieces he works with become the inspiration for the art he creates. His work includes large mirror and lighting installations, furniture, and metal sculpture.

Lampcycle is his most recent endeavor, using unwanted post consumer bicycle parts to create handmade lighting, clock, and other utilitarian artisan objects. Leo’s carefully crafted and highly function Lampcycle designs have been featured in the Seattle Poncho Art Auction, the Beauty Salon, Capitol Hill Arts Center, the City of Dreams art auction in San Francisco, as well as other venues throughout the Northwest.