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Have you ever sat back and looked at your child’s burgeoning lego collection, and wondered how much you have spent on it over the years? What do you do with it when they reach that age that they no longer play with it for hours on end? Hold on to your hats ladies and gents, because San Franciso artist Emiko Oye of Reware is challenging us to re-think these everyday objects, by looking outside the square to see them in a brand new light.

Dawning II ~ Inspired by Louise Nevelson’s Dawn’s Wedding Feast installation, 1959

Drawing inspiration from significant jewellery pieces spanning back through the ages, Emiko creates sculptural lego, replicating the original piece ~ but without the hefty price tag!. In their place are plastic lego, Connectix, recycled electronic cables, paint and silver.

Emiko intends for these upcycled lego pieces to not only be items of beauty and further function, but to also be conversation starters as “a seductive vehicle for awareness” about our relationship with the environment and our culture.

Maharajah’s 6th neckpiece: (inspired by Boucheron emerald, diamond, and platinum necklace, 1928)

Blue Steel neckpiece: (inspired by Boucheron, Paris. Blue-tinted steel, diamonds, zircons, pearls necklace by Maison Boucheron. 1890.)

In addition

to the intricate sculptural pieces she creates, Emiko also creates more practical, but equally eye catching pieces for everyday wear. Cuffs, bracelets, pendants and earrings are pieced together with rubber cord, and each are adorned with combinations of  sterling silver, 14K gold, recycled silver tube, cubic zirconia, and amethysts amongst other semi precious metals and stones.

I love the simplicity of the bangles offset with a dash of sparkle for a modern edge. Whilst the mini figurine earrings might not be for everyone, I’m sure they’d be a conversations starter – just as Emiko Oye intended!,

Her pieces are available for purchase online, and can be viewed at various exhibitions across the USA and Europe. She also runs workshops, encouraging others to recycle and repurpose what they have in their homes – Watch out kids. I’d be hiding that lego box if you don’t want us to get our hand on it!

~~ Reware by Emiko ~~

Xmas for many does not just mean a day of family and celebration, but also at least a few days off from the daily grind of work.  So how will YOU get away from it all this year?

An “eco holiday” can conjure up a range of images or words. It can include anything from basic camping down the coast with family; Glamping in eco luxe style in the desert;  roughing it out bush with the bare necessities;  or staying in eco lodges complete with calendula oil bodyrubs  in secluded rainforests with the tranquil sounds of a river bubbling past (ok that one was taking artistic licence …. or was it?).  Last year we spent a great week over New Year’s Eve at Bimbi Park on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road with friends, family and lots of koalas. This year, we’re renting a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula with extended family where we hope to replace the normal daily grind with walks down the beach, visits to local farmers markets,  lunch and tastings at organic wineries & providers, lolling around  at the Peninsula Hot Springs and definitely some rest…can’t wait!

Whilst many Australians are travelling abroad at present due to a strong Australian dollar, don’t overlook the fabulous finds right on your doorstep. .. and save yourself some airmiles too. In 2012 at State of Green we plan to bring to our readers 12 features  – yes one a month – of great Australian holidays breaks that leave a smaller footprint and a lasting impression. Whether it’s a great holiday house, destination or activity  – we’ll do our best to find out more, and get you at least one step closer in 2012. So, what’s on your eco holiday wish list? If you know of a special place send in your ideas in the comments field below and stay tuned…