top of page

Art of Waste for Meditation

02.-06. October 2023

In the vibrant city of Mersin, creativity took center stage as participants explored the meditative power of art and handcrafting. Through a series of interactive workshops, they discovered how everyday waste materials could be repurposed into meaningful artistic expressions, blending sustainability with personal reflection.

​

The journey began with an awareness-building activity, where participants were encouraged to collect discarded materials—plastic, glass, paper—from their surroundings. These found objects became the foundation for collaborative art pieces, transforming waste into visually striking compositions that were later exhibited at the school. This process not only sparked creativity but also deepened the understanding of how art can serve as both an environmental statement and a personal meditative practice.

The exploration of artistic storytelling continued at the Mersin Museum of Archaeology, where participants engaged in interactive museum activities. In the museum’s workshop space, they experimented with repurposed materials, drawing inspiration from historical artifacts to reinterpret objects through modern sustainability-focused art.

​

One of the most introspective moments of the mobility was the "My Museum" exhibition, where participants selected personal belongings they no longer used, repaired or transformed them, and wrote descriptions that reflected their personal connection to these items. The exhibit became a deeply personal showcase, highlighting the value of reusing rather than discarding and fostering a greater appreciation for objects that hold meaning beyond their functional use.

​

The experience concluded with handcrafting sessions, where participants knitted small objects and embroidered them with repurposed threads, ropes, and beads. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they not only developed artistic and craftsmanship skills but also engaged in a mindful, meditative process. As the workshops progressed, conversations naturally flowed, creating a space where participants could reflect on their emotions, exchange ideas, and share their experiences.

​

The final day culminated in a discussion forum, where participants exchanged thoughts on their creative journey, shared insights about the connection between art, sustainability, and emotional well-being, and provided feedback on their experiences. The mobility concluded with an exhibition of all the completed works, inviting the school community, host families, local press, and education authorities to witness the artistic transformation of waste into meaningful creations.

​

Through these activities, the experience in Mersin highlighted how artistic expression can serve as both a tool for environmental awareness and a means of emotional regulation, demonstrating the power of creativity in fostering mindfulness and ecological responsibility.

bottom of page