SPOTLIGHT - Sustainability Edition, November 2024
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PLEG ART STUDIO: FOLDING A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
PLEG ART STUDIO: FOLDING A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
In a world where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, Jose Luis Ayala Bastidas is making a tangible impact. Through his innovative Pleg art Studio, the young and dynamic Sustainable Product Industrial Designer from Colombia is transforming discarded eggshells into exquisite pieces of art. He shares his thoughts and work in an email conversation with Julia Fernandes, Founder and Managing Editor of Whisper for Peace.
Jose Luis is redefining the boundaries of sustainable design with his Pleg art Studio, where each project is a statement about the power of recycling and the circular economy. His origami-inspired designs not only challenge conventional artistry, but also serve as a reminder of how even the smallest materials can play a pivotal role in preserving our planet.
The origami vases he creates from carefully processed eggshells are a perfect blend of geometry and nature, beautifully showcasing how art can be both functional and sustainable.
“The entire process is circular,” says Jose Luis. “The water used to wash the shells serves as fertilizer, and no energy is used for drying other than the sun. For the sifting process, to speed up product delivery, a grinder is used — this is the only stage where energy is utilized.”
The power of Art in transforming not only spaces, but also mentalities.
Pleg art - combining geometry and care for the planet.
Eggshells as symbols of sustainability.
This commitment to sustainability has taken on even greater importance in the context of the staggering increase in egg production in Colombia over the past three decades.
In the last 30 years, egg production has grown more than 150%, which implies a proportional increase in waste generation. In 2023, per capita egg consumption in Colombia stood at 336 units per person per year, which represents sustained growth in production and consumption.
Eggshells often discarded in homes, bakeries, and hotels cause the soil to be contaminated and generate greenhouse gases due to poor disposal processes.
Jose Luis is showing how discarded eggshells can be transformed into stunning pieces of art that contribute to both job creation and environmental preservation.
Through Pleg art Studio, he is not only reimagining waste, but also changing the way we think about art, design, and sustainability. Together, we can create a world that honors nature, one handcrafted eggshell vase at a time.
To explore his work further please visit:
“Art has the power to transform not only spaces, but also mentalities. Together, we can create a future where each piece tells a story of respect and love for our planet.” – Jose Luis Ayala Bastidas, Sustainable Product Industrial Designer.
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