The Connector
The Connector

sculpture

Images courtesy of SCAD Communications

The Savannah College of Art and Design once again has become part of a valuable cause and important new event in the Atlanta community. The second annual “ECOlution” charity event was held on Oct. 14, showcasing environmentally-friendly fashions on the catwalk, which were then auctioned off to benefit the Melissa Carter Transplant Fund. Recycled material was the theme of the affair, whether part of the fashions strutted down the runway or included in the various artwork on display. This theme also was evident in the funds raised to support those who rely on organ donation to survive.

Melissa Carter, morning radio show host on Q100’s The Bert Show and founder of ECOlution, partnered with two artists from SCAD Atlanta to create a piece of art that was auctioned off for this cause. Susan Krause, chair of SCAD’s sculpture department, and Nathan Sharratt, a student at SCAD Atlanta, came together to create the unique sculpture, titled, “Life.” Assembled using recycled prescription bottles from Carter’s own recovery from kidney transplant surgery, the bottles have created a wonderfully eye-catching orange beauty, which also is filled with meaning and memories.

Carter was in the Hub at SCAD Atlanta for a Twitter chat, on Oct. 11 and shared some of her thoughts, ideas and inspiration for the event and artwork. When reflecting on the life-changing experience of the transplant and the pills that helped her recover, Carter explained that “life doesn’t end, it continues on — even if it’s in someone else. SCAD proves materials can live on as something else, too.” During her chat with students, staff and faculty, Carter answered many questions about the Melissa Carter Transplant Fund, ECOlution and the artwork produced by Krause and Sharratt. She informed the chat participants that the bottles could not be recycled due to the light-protective substances in the plastic. One chatter called “Pittmangal,” asked, “What is the responsibility of art and artists to shine light on important topics like organ donations?” Carter responded by saying, “Truth.” She then continued, saying, “I’m the daughter of an art teacher and understand the importance of expression. Speak your truth and people will be there to see it.”

During her Twitter chat, Carter expressed the importance of recycling, not only inanimate materials, but also human organs. Both Krause and Sharratt have heard the story of Carter’s illness first–hand and utilized her experience, which was so negative and exhausting, to create something beautiful and inspiring. An interesting message that has come out of Carter’s partnership with SCAD Atlanta is that a piece of artwork does not always start with a blank canvas or a new set of colored pencils, but can begin with a recycled material that tells a different story to many viewers. In this case, to Melissa Carter, the message is that “being sick does not mean giving up on life. Almost losing my life is the best thing in my life.”

Nathan Sharratt works on sculpture.
Nathan Sharratt works on sculpture.

Georgia Transplant Foundation
Founded in 1992, the Georgia Trust Foundation is a non-profit organization providing financial, educational and emotional support to organ transplant candidates, recipients, living donors and their families throughout the state.

Melissa Carter Transplant Fund
The Melissa Carter Transplant Fund at Piedmont Hospital benefits selected transplant candidates and transplant nurses in Georgia.