A Flowering Future

This was a piece commissioned by Cox Communications here in Tucson for Earth Day 2019.

Box #1 of potential materials!

Box #2 of potential materials.

Remote controls I popped open with my vice - fun!

Laying out my options to stimulate ideas.

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Exploring potential layouts, once I decided on the 'flowers in pots' theme.

Sketched layout on substrate so I could drill holes for attaching heavy pieces and to determine where I would place mosaic glass around the flower pots (aka remote controls).

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Starting to place mosaic glass around 3D objects.

Attached stained glass to backs of remotes so you could see color through them.

Laid the first row of glass - the 'ground' the flower pots are sitting on. Nothing is attached yet, just positioned for review.

Starting second row of stained glass to create contrast for the flower pots.

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Almost done placing glass for leaves and sky. Again, other items are still not attached, just set in place for spacing. (Blue tape is holding stained glass on back of remote until adhesive dries.)

Backs of remotes were convex so I painted the substrate the same color as the grout I would be using so all would blend well.

Had to paint the back BEFORE all work was completed. Imagine trying to flip it over, otherwise! Here you can see the wires I used to help attach the heavier tools (along with adhesives).

Once the back was completed, I finished the front by adhering all remotes, tools, and things I cannot even name!

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Attached smaller items at the end, like circuit boards and other doohickies (LOL, I'm sure Cox people know what these all are). Used CAT 5 cables for blue and yellow flowers. Painted remotes with spray paint and painted cables with acrylic (the only paint that will stick to rubber).

Almost done...had to use an epoxy adhesive to attach metal edges. Unfortunately, modern technology sometimes requires toxic materials.

The Final Product

Happy Earth Day! This project made me smile. Remember, we are constantly getting better at reusing materials, reducing waste, and repurposing or upcycling materials...A "Flowering Future" in my opinion.