Bear with Berries

Artist statement

Bear with Berries is part of the artist’s upcycled sculpture series, created entirely from discarded cardboard collected from local stores where the artist shops. Both the visible surface and the internal structure are built from cardboard, using hot glue as the primary construction method. Through careful cutting, layering, bending, and assembly, a fragile and ordinary material is transformed into a strong sculptural presence.

The bear’s head is built from repeated cardboard segments, giving the work a faceted, geometric surface that reveals the process of construction rather than hiding it. The visible seams, strips, and layered forms become part of the language of the piece. They show how discarded material can carry rhythm, structure, and character when handled with intention.

The addition of berries and flowers introduces a contrast between the handmade animal form and the natural world it references. The bear appears gentle, curious, and alive, turning what could have been waste into an image of playfulness, survival, and renewal. The work reflects the belief that simple, inexpensive, and overlooked materials can become meaningful art when imagination and craftsmanship are applied.