Arriving at Tim Gunter’s house, first you’re overwhelmed with the variety of blooming plants outside. Next you notice that amongst almost all the plants sit objects that draw your attention. Is it a piece of junk? Is it supposed to be there? It looks like an elephant!
Everywhere there’s a space, there sits some animal or art design made of trash. Tim’s yard is a literal wonderland…and it’s made of recycled items that many people would toss in the rubbish.
The inside of his house is much the same, an artist’s gallery of discarded materials that have been given new life.
The message of Tim Gunter’s artwork is all about repurposing. “To me, everything looks like art if you get the right angle, or close one eye, or draw a face on it,” Tim explains. From an early age, he always liked turning something that someone didn’t want into something different.
“Think twice or three times before you throw it away,” he says. He feels better when he does have trash because he always knows he’s looked at it long enough to decide if it’s not usable to him.
He is making artwork all the time, partly so that he doesn’t end up with so much stuff. “It is also fun to see people shake their head when looking at some of the art,” he says. Right now he’s working on a full size person made out of broken auto glass, a project that is three years in the making. He’s hoping to finish that one by next year.
He creates works in other mediums too. “I also like to use wood and rocks, mostly for my own enjoyment.”
Gunter often shows his pieces in the Art of Trash annual exhibit, winning juried awards and delighting viewers with his fun take on reinventing.
Look for more interesting artwork by Tim Gunter in upcoming Art of Trash shows, and remember to think about your own inspirations as you’re sorting through your junk pile. There might just be something different waiting to be transformed.
The Art of Trash is an annual exhibition of repurposed materials transformed into art by Maui County artists. This year’s show runs from April 7th through the 28th at 1980 Main Street in Wailuku. Don’t miss Opening Night and the Maui Trashion Show on Wailuku First Friday, April 6th at 6pm. For more info visit Art of Trash on Facebook.
Magical creations! You never know what creativity is lurking on our little island.
This stuff is so fun. Can’t wait to see it!
Tim,
Watching the MN Boys BB tourney tonight. Great art which reflect your personality.
Hope all is well
EEEBA !!!!!
Did it snow. That’s what I remember it always snowed during tournaments. I haven’t played in a year. My business is making something someone through away and make it rot. (compost) and then take junk and turn it into art. I am not sure what that says about my personality but I guess I never did care. Take care Aloha
Great job. And wonderful talent. From another prior Raymondute
I’m always amazed at Tim’s imagination
TIm, coming your way in August. Might have to check out your art. Where are you on the island?
Aloha This is the first time I read this my tell is 808-244-5448 hopeIam not to late
Tim: Spent time with the family this past weekend…Jan & Ralph, Sharon, David, Mike, Carol and Sarah, Pat & Ann, Renee, Richard, Jennifer, and Jeff and of course J.P’s wife and boys. Made me think of you. I would tell readers that Tim’s ability to see something magical did not start as an adult it was there all of his life, he could find mischief in a simple walk down the block, a patch of sand, or a row of trees. Playing with toys would always include forays in imagination that were never dreamed of by the toy maker. Our G.I., Joes always spent more time looking for Barbies than enemy soiders! Always smiling, always laughing, always sharing. Never lose those wonderful, magical, mischievous child like qualities Tim.