22 April, 2025

From trash to treasure

Upcycling to create art… Winner Lisa Watkins with Metalmorphosis

Upcycle artist Lisa Watkins’ sculpture Metalmorphosis, winner of the Lake House Arts Centre’s first sustainability and community exhibition competition, was two years in the making.
The sculpture is made from a recycled mannequin, bells, jewellery and more than 1000 keys.
Watkins, who has been working full-time as an upcycle artist for the last two years, said the keys were collected, then stuck onto the mannequin and painted with resin. She has around 15 works in progress in her studio – adding to them as donated items come along.
“Anything can be turned into art – that’s what I’m trying to get across to the community,” Watkins said. She’ll use her $1000 competition prize money to buy more art materials and “pay a few bills”.
The competition attracted 28 entries. The exhibition runner-up was Shelly Gray with Whimsy Bloom Chair and highly commended were Bobbie Gray (Blooming Vestiges) and Fiona Newton (Ebbs and Flows).
The Localised Awards and Exhibition is the first of its kind at the Lake House and marks a growing focus on sustainability. Staged in partnership with the Localised Zero Waste Hub, all entries had to be made from at least 75 per cent recycled or upcycled materials.

• The Localised Awards and Exhibition at the Lake House on Fred Thomas Dr, Takapuna, runs until 24 April, 9 am-3pm.

Fiona Newton, highly commended, with Ebbs and Flows

Runner-up Shelly Gray with Whimsy Bloom Chair

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