Entitled: “Sierra Gold” – by: rob kistner, 2017
all the way from Paris
supple leather cuttings
scraps secured in Denver
links of golden chain
my wife’s broken necklace
small wood and metal findings
recycled from the Goodwill
the 7 found-pieces assembled
to create a striking talisman
a tasteful visual accent
affixed to this Totem’s front
hand painted oaken dowels
make up the wall mount plate
all these special treasures
gathered lovingly
cut and measured carefully
then assembled with precision
on rigid spiraled cylinders
that once archived my drawings
now crafted into an artwork
hand-signed one-of-a-kind
to be a beautiful addition
to a most unique collection
to be on display and sold
at a coming juried art show
rob kistner © 2019
This art piece pictured at the top here is called a Serenity Totem. I conceived this original artistic concept, and have been designing, creating, and selling these for years. They are made from all reclaimed upcycled materials, and found objects, mounted on coated, spiral bound, fiber board cylinders. On some I may also incorporate elements of trim discards of handmade Japanese Chiyogami Washi fiberstock. The cylinders intended purpose is archival storage of my furniture design blueprints and my digital artworks. Each Serenity Totem is a hand-signed, one-of-a-kind creation. I make them in four diameter sizes: 2″, 2.5″, 3″, and 4″. I have them hanging all around my studio where I also write. I create and sell these under the name Serenity Totems Studio.
by: rob kistner, 2007 ~SOLD~
by: rob kistner, 2009 ~SOLD~
Beautiful. I like that part of it is from your wife’s necklace.
Thank you Kathy. I have thousands of remnants, discarded items, broken jewelry (some more of my wife’s), leather cutting scraps, found objects, strange and wonderful odds and ends – all ready to be upcycled into a piece of art.
That is the first I’ve heard of serenity totems. A good reason to assemble them.
I created and trademarked the term Frank, so unless you encountered me at a juried art show somewhere around the, or shop my Etsy store, you wouldn’t know the term.
Lovely. It’s interesting Rob — I would never call your Serentiy Totems “trash art” although they do use recycled materials as you’ve indicated. It just goes to show you, beautiful art can be created from many materials….not just from a brush dipped in paint and applied to an easel. My post is about trash art — much more serendipity and whimsical than what you do. These are beautiful!
Thank you Lillian, but it is very important to the spirit of my pieces that I use recycled materials. I strive to make them beautiful. I loved the art piece you posted… 🙂
Wonderful work Rob! You are a very skilled artist. You poem spells it all out very well. Such unique objects. Very nicely done!
Thank you Dwight. I enjoy upscaling discarded found objects. Eack item speaks to a different creative direction. When you bring the rught ones together the begin speaking one laguage which carries you to a complete artwork. I love my art and my writing. When I get blocked on ine I turn to the other. Keeps the creative juices flowing… 😉
Just looking at the photo of it instills serenity. Your fine craftsmanship is appreciated.
Thank you Jade, very much… 🙂
I love your Serenity Totems, Rob! Beautifully made and full of meaning. And they are all made from discarded objects? I like the phrase ‘hand-signed one-of-a-kind’. Your workshop sounds like a magical place.
Thank you Kim! I appreciate your kind words… 🙂 Upcycling the discarded is such a pleasure and a priviledga, it uplifts my spirit. To turn the unwanted into something desired is very rewarding. I create my art and do my writing in this studio. It’s my creative oasis.
I like the upcycling concept… we need to do more like that, the world is filling up otherwise… so happy to see the art you’ve been making.
Thank you Bjorn! It is very uplifting creating my Serenity Totems using discarded materials. Keeps them out of landfills, or the carcinogenic fumes out of the atmosphere created by incinerating it. Plus, it creates a bit of joy in the world – for me from creating the art, and for my patrons in enjoying this one-of-a-kind artwork on their wall or shelf. It’s a win/win/win situation. 🙂
Rob- I love your words, and your serenity totems- they are really beautiful! And your furniture- wow.
Thank you Linda, glad you wandered around my site a bit. I genuinely appreciate your kind words…:-)
repurposed and unique.
And a great joy to design and create Margaret… 🙂
These are really beautiful. What a lovely idea serenity totem is. The craftsmanship alone would make them desirable, but you have a true artist’s eye for composition. Lots of finesse. So glad you shared them. Thank you.
Thank you Christine, such wonderful words, I am most appreciative. I love reclaiming materials. Such fabulous stuff gets discarded. The recycled materials themselves drive my designs. I approach them the same way I approach my contemporary furniture designs. Based on the materials I’ve decided to use, I seek out a visual balance in the “pieces palette” of colors, textures, patterns – then do a few rough sketches. When I like one, I finish the design in 3D on my computer, tweaking as I go. When the 3D perspective rendering is correct, I create a dimensioned materials cut sheet and assembly schematic. Then do precise cutting and meticulous assembly. Voila! …a Serenity Totem. 🙂
Hi Christine! I tried to visit your site to see your post, but I couldn’t get it to open from. Mr Linky?