Between Hope and Despair

by Helen Liu

Created for American Luminosity: Our Poets, Our Composers, Our Art

Recital by Soprano Laura Wayte

January 10, 2014, 7:30pm, Beall Hall, University of Oregon

Medium: Oil on plastic bags, packaging tape, glue, charcoal and permanent marker.

Size: 20 feet by 12 feet

The audience is invited to view the painting on stage at the conclusion of the recital.

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A few words about the making of this painting:

I have been saving plastic bags for about two and a half years for the simple reason of not wanting them to end up in the landfill, in the rivers, or in the ocean. Every plastic bag, small and large, that is not recyclable (around here) and can be cleaned and dried easily, I save. When Laura invited me to create another large-scale work for her recital, I jumped at the chance to use the plastics I have been saving for the “canvas.” Creating this canvas was not without challenge. Eventually, after trial and error, I settled, mostly, on the heavy plastic bags that contain coffee. They are strong and have an interesting silvery look. I had my own limited supply of these bags. A few friends and Allann Bros Coffee Roasters supplied the rest. Each plastic bag was cleaned, trimmed, taped, and glued together. It was then sanded to allow the oil paint to adhere. In addition to

the coffee bags, potato chip bags, etc., a large portion of the painting was made up of animal feed bags. 

What to do with the painting at the conclusion of the recital?

The painting will be cut up into fifteen 4ft x 4ft pieces following the

recital. With a minimum donation of $25 to BRING Recycling, audience

members can take home one of these squares. If you are interested

in being a steward of one of the 15 forever-plastic paintings, please

draw a number in the lobby during intermission, make your donation to

BRING, and come to the stage after Laura’s beautiful singing.

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Helen Liu is represented by White Lotus Gallery in Eugene.