Transforming Waste into Artistry
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Eco-Friendly Creations
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Artistic Vision
About Me
My journey in fine art began at University Campus Weston in 2016, culminating in a BA (Hons) degree in 2020. Creativity has always been a part of me, but life and my family took priority until I could pursue my passion fully.
During my studies, I explored traditional art materials and techniques in painting, printing, mold-making, and ceramics, with drawing often serving as the foundation for my ideas. Over time, I became increasingly captivated by non-traditional materials and sculpture.
My research into environmental issues, such as climate change and the loss of nature, deeply moved me and has since driven my creativity. I consistently develop and refine my practice using materials accumulated from daily life and my local environment. My aim is to help the environment by transforming common, ordinary materials into beautiful, thought-provoking art and raising awareness. I particularly enjoy the challenge of using these materials and problem-solving to achieve a desirable outcome in my work.
Photography and photo editing are crucial skills in my practice. They allow me to capture local landmarks as backdrops, document my work at each stage of development, and reproduce images of my creations. One of my images, a dead bird titled 'Cancelled Flight,' was selected for Bristol's Royal West Academy 168th annual open exhibition.
Currently, I enjoy working with mixed media, which I used at university to create a museum-themed showcase for the end-of-year exhibition. The freedom of using different materials allows me to explore all possible outcomes thoroughly. Despite the Covid-19 lockdown, two of my museum-themed boxes (Science Lab & Lost Toys) were exhibited at Heart of the Tribe in Glastonbury and another at Weston Museum.
Images of my work were also featured in a digital magazine, Unpsychology Issue 7, Spring 2021, under the title "Climate Complexity Change.
Fruit Fly
Making this one made me smile!
A media fusion of a broken pen, wire, sweet wrappers and foil, a bottle top, a piece of wood, fabric bow and feathers.
Discover the beauty of sustainability through unique art pieces crafted from discarded materials, celebrating creativity while promoting environmental conservation and inspiring a deeper appreciation for overlooked treasures.
Artist Statement
I am deeply concerned with some of the most pressing issues our world faces today: climate change and the loss of nature. We rely on nature for our wellbeing and survival, making it crucial to understand our human impact and make essential changes.
My creative work reflects my perspective on these issues. Drawing, which I love, provides a visual foundation for my ideas. Sometimes, a drawing remains a drawing; other times, it becomes a painting, a 3D sculpture, or even a kit for others to make. I use traditional materials together with discarded materials, repurposing them into art. My goal is to transform something negative into a positive statement, raising awareness and inspiring people to see the beauty in what is often overlooked.
Using found objects presents the exciting challenge of creating unique pieces from the worn out, broken, and unwanted while staying true to the materials. A dog walker I met highlighted how birds are attracted to colourful plastic, leading to harmful consequences. Another significant moment was during my time as a lunchtime supervisor, where I noticed all the cans, bottles, and wrappers that just ended up in the bin or blew about the grounds.
At university, I began researching climate change, tracing it back to our economic system, the start of the industrial revolution, and the mass production of things. Litter picking not only benefits the environment but also reduces the threat to wildlife. Additionally, spending time outdoors promotes good health as we engage our bodies in meaningful activities.
By shifting our mindset from 'business as usual' to mindful consumption and creativity, we can place less demand on finite resources and encourage sustainable practices. The recent rise in climate change movements shows our collective power. Through my work, I hope to promote a healthier environment and inspire others to be more creative, waste less, and see the potential in everything around them.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Before discarding an item, consider its potential and how it can be transformed into something beautiful. Together, we can make a significant impact and create a positive future for generations to come.
03 Apr 2019 – artwork used in an Extinction Rebellion protest and published in the Weston Mercury ‘In pictures: Funeral for the planet held in Weston town centre’.
Artist CV
Julie Ackerman, (b, 1965, UK)
Currently living in Weston-super-Mare
Mobile: 07855512876
Email: artofrecycling04@outlook.com
Website: www.julieackerman.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Julie.ackerman.35
Instagram: www.instagram.com/julie.ackerman.35
Education
UCW Contemporary Art and Professional Studies BA (Hons). I have been engaged in the study of art and professional practices developing my skills and knowledge. I achieved my BA(hons) In July 2020
University of Arts London (UAL) foundation diploma (level 3) in Art and design where I achieved a distinction.
Solo and Group Exhibitions
Dec 2020 – Studio 3, Clevedon Craft Centre (12 Dec – 06 Feb 2021)
Dec 2020 – RWA 168 Annual Open Exhibition (5 Dec – 7 March 2021)
Dec 2020 – Heart of the Tribe Gallery (3 Dec – 26 January 2021)
Aug 2020 – Weston Museum – Exhibit, ‘Anthropology’
Aug 2020 – Umbrella Cardiff – Group Exhibition (28 Aug – 6th Sept)
Mar 2020 – Umbrella Cardiff – Open Call, On-line Featured Artist
Jan 2020 – Studio 3, Clevedon Craft Centre (11 Jan – 11 April 2020)
Dec 2019 – Pop-up Exhibition in the Sovereign Centre
Nov 2019 – Terrestrial Festival, local artists exhibition
June 2019 - UCW Summer Exhibition
Mar 2019 – UCW Salmagundi Arts Festival
Jan 2019 – Loves Café, Weston-Super-Mare (solo)
Dec 2018 – 15 Mini Print Exhibition at Weston College where I exhibited a limited addition print of the idiom ‘bitten of more than you can chew.’
Oct/Nov 2018 – The Big Draw at the LT Gallery in Weston-Super-Mare where I exhibited 3 pieces of A5 artwork.
June 2017 - Final Major Project (FMP) at Weston College where I exhibited an installation of an environmental catastrophe.
Feb 2017 - Exhibition at The Quarry in Weston-Super-Mare where I exhibited 3 pieces of artwork, a painting, a drawing and a sculpture.
Aug 2007 -Totterdown Art Trail – where I exhibited in Totterdown Baptist Church and sold a painting of ‘Tenby houses’ through auction.
Awards
As a child (ages 11) I won a ‘Build a dragon competition’
Publications
Spring 2021 – Unpsychology Magazine Issue 7, the title being Climate Complexity Change
Aug 2020 – Weston Culture produced a poster using my artwork for NSC ‘what’s on?’ billboard
14 Nov 2019 – artwork used in the making of an ‘investigative documentary about the Severn Serpent’ available at: https://he-il.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/seagulldaily/posts/
03 Apr 2019 – artwork used in an Extinction Rebellion protest and published in the Weston Mercury ‘In pictures: Funeral for the planet held in Weston town centre’. Available at: https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/in-pictures-funeral-held-in-weston-super-mare-for-planet-1-5976326
Commissions
April 2025 - 3 miniature Trophies on a shelves, Rhyme Against the Tide
Nov 2024 - Trophy For Rhyme Against the Tide
Sept 2024 – Trophy for Rhyme Against the Tide
Feb 2019 – hand drawn sketch of Angus (pet dog)
Jan 2019 – hand drawn sketch of Edward, a much-loved father
Dec 2018 –hand drawn sketch of Georgie Best (for a Fan)
June 2018 - commission for the Welsman building, a social services department for families and children in St Pauls, Bristol.
Work In Progress
Every artist needs a space to create—a place where imagination can flourish without interruption. During my time at university, I had access to fantastic facilities and equipment, allowing me to experiment with various materials and explore endless creative possibilities. After graduating, however, my workspace became more makeshift—a spare room or the kitchen table at home. While functional, it often disrupted my creative flow, requiring constant tidying and packing away.
Our house came with a detached double garage, and despite its aging asbestos roof and chilly winters, it holds incredible potential. Now, an exciting transformation is on the horizon. We’re replacing the roof and insulating the walls of one garage, turning it into my dedicated creative space. I’ve already given it a name—The Litter Loft—and I can’t wait to bring new pieces of art to life within its walls, while also opening the door to workshops and a gallery.
Renovation work is set to begin at the end of April, and the anticipation is exhilarating. This new space will be more than just a studio—it will be a sanctuary where I can focus, experiment, and fully immerse myself in my artistic vision.