Clinton Van Gemert
Plastic Wrapper and Package Bags
Plastic Wrapper and Package Bags
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These sturdy bags are woven by artist Clinton Van Gamert using a found loom. Rather than using yarn or wool, Clint looms discarded plastic between the white warp thread, creating a unique design of colors and textures for each piece. The weft—that is, the plastic woven with the warp thread—and the rope handles all run from the top edge, under the bag, and then up the opposite side, meaning these bags have no seams along the bottom and will hold some serious weight. Each bag measures approximately 17" x 24".
The handles are made from retired fishing rope he gets from Provincetown’s Center for Coastal Studies. The weft is plastic packaging and wrapping, as well as bags used for groceries, produce, breakfast cereal, and snack chips—pretty much anything Clint can find, and we know there is no shortage of plastic! All salvaged materials are, of course, washed thoroughly before each bag is woven. The warp thread is the only material purchased for the construction of the bags.
Because these truly are pieces of art made functional, we've taken the time to photograph both the front and back of each bag so you can choose the one that you like best. These will hold considerably more than the average reusable supermarket bag, but they'd also be useful running errands, at farmers' markets, or at the beach. Plus they're a great way to remind the world about the abundance of plastic that usually ends up in our landfills and to take pride in your eco-consciousness.
This item is one of a kind. You are purchasing the exact item shown in the image(s).
About Clinton Van Gemert
About Clinton Van Gemert
Clinton Van Gemert is a former full-time NYC graphic designer and multi-talented artist. As the owner of Printsburgh, he designs, prints, and installs visually stunning handmade wood print wall coverings. You can check out some of his amazing creations on his Instagram page.
Clint's brother visited Repurposed Provincetown a while back carrying a bag that was very obviously made of Repurposed materials but was different than anything we'd seen before. On closer inspection, we could see it had been woven, but instead of using wool or hemp, the designer had used reclaimed plastics. When we learned our customer's brother had made the bags, we encouraged him to contact Repurposed.
When he later visited us, we enjoyed hearing Clint's story as much as seeing his creations. He originally began looming with fabrics and made classic rag rugs and pillows using a found Union Loom. Finding himself low on fabric one day, he started experimenting with using tough-to-recycle landfill-bound plastics, like plastic packaging and wrapping, and bags used for groceries, produce, breakfast cereal, and snack chips. Today, the artist takes bags and weaves them into what is still, in essence, a rag rug; he then turns that rag rug (made from bags) into, well, bags (made from a rag rug made from bags). Clint is a one-man example of a circular economy.
