Local artist takes on the world of recyclable art
For 15 years, Boulder artist Bruce Campbell has been making art out of painting recyclable “found objects.”
Well known for abandoning the white canvas in favor of creating masterpieces on steel drums, pieces of plywood and even old mailboxes, Campbell’s contemporary art is rooted in environmental activism.
“I’m convinced the world is coming to an end,” Campbell said jokingly when speaking of the magnitude of global warming.
This reasoning possessed him to begin collecting recycled items and paint around Boulder, which he says is “littered with cool stuff.”
One of his most recognizable (and highest-grossing) pieces is a large, metal, triangular face that used to be a pseudo-landmark in downtown Boulder.
Campbell was able to take his artistic
Bruce Campbell
For more information on Campbell’s work as well as his future projects, visit BruceCampbellArt.com
talent to Bonnaroo, the biggest music festival in the U.S. this summer. He was contracted to construct a stage by painting steel drums to be used as totem poles on the side of the massive stage. He spent two creativity-fueled weeks in Tennessee with VIP access to the festival.
He considers himself self-taught, and much of his abstract artwork is influenced by the use of Pablo Picasso-like facial structures. He doesn’t sketch any of his artwork out before he creates it, rather he prefers to invent three-dimensional art as he goes.
“I am inspired by the mission of found objects … I see the way it inspires people and it inspires me. The world is just eating this up,” Campbell said.
His art is showcased at Envision Gallery in Taos, New Mexico where he often travels.
Campbell spent two unhappy years at Arizona State University before deciding to pursue his career in art full-time.
“I have never really had a real job. I love it. It’s certainly the way my path has gone,” Campbell said.
He used to be a commercial artist who created logos and graphics for the Boulder Theater before becoming a scavenger of recyclable goods. Each of his pieces now sell anywhere between $250 to $12,000.
“Whatever moves me, I like to bring some of that into my work and keep it alive,” Campbell said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Sarah Stern at sterns@colorado.edu.
