Memento (2013)

Elizabeth Wellburn

5555 Lynas Lane. Richmond, BC

Area: City Centre
Location: City of Richmond Recycling Depot

Materials: Slumped recycled glass, tumbled recycled glass, marine silicone on a base of 10mm tempered glass. Powder-coated steel.

Program: Civic
Ownership: Civic
Sponsored By: City of Richmond Public Art Program

Description of Work

“Memento” is composed of six glass-on-glass mosaics installed in a powder-coated free-standing steel frame that is 7' tall, 4' wide and 4” in depth. The mosaic elements include slumped and/or tumbled recycled glass from a range of sources, including glass that had been collected from the Richmond Recycling yard.

Artist Statement

Memento is an opportunity to give new life to once-treasured objects. Wellburn's techniques include kiln forming and mosaic work, with glass sourced directly from the recycling yard and thrift stores. A resident may be delighted to find her discarded martini glass as an element in this art piece.

A fish and a butterfly may remind us of the ocean and gardens that surround the city of Richmond, while vintage glass canning lids serve as reminders of the industry that brought so many people to this place, years ago. Translations of the word “recycle” can be found on some of the pieces which form the mosaic, reflecting diversity and the spirit of caring for the environment.