Applications of sustainable art practices using waste materials in visual arts classes

The development of industry and technology, along with the rapid increase in the world population, has improved individuals' quality of life. However, the increase in consumption has also led to a rise in waste. The increase in waste materials makes it difficult for nature to renew and protect itself, and even causes environmental degradation. For the renewal of natural resources and environmental sustainability, it is important for all individuals to have environmental awareness and education aimed at reclaiming all types of waste materials that cause environmental pollution through recycling. Sustainable environmental education, as in many areas, also affects individuals in the field of art. The purpose of this study, titled "Applications of Sustainable Art Practices Using Waste Materials in Visual Arts Classes" is to examine the effects on students' creativity levels and environmental awareness by using waste materials that harm nature for artistic purposes in visual arts lessons. In this study, sustainable art practices were carried out with 7th-grade students using waste materials in their visual arts lessons. An action research design based on qualitative methods was used to determine students' interest, attitudes, and environmental awareness through the materials they used. The study group consisted of 30 students, including 16 girls and 14 boys, who participated in the 7th-grade visual arts class at Hisarbey Middle School in the Simav district of Kütahya province during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data collection tools prepared for the study included document analysis, image recording (photographs), pre- and post-interview forms, students' practical works, and a product evaluation form. Expert opinions were sought for the interview and product evaluation forms. Data obtained from the interview form were analyzed using content analysis, and data obtained from the product evaluation form were analyzed using content and descriptive analysis. According to the research findings, raising awareness about the use of natural resources and environmental consciousness in visual arts lessons can positively contribute to students' self-expression and creativity by using waste materials within the scope of sustainable art. In the scope of sustainable art in visual arts lessons, it is planned to enhance students' self-expression, originality, ecological feelings, creativity, and application skills by creating compositions with waste objects of different sizes, colors, and shapes, arranging and gluing waste materials, and visualizing two-dimensional artistic works that express emotions quickly. The use of waste materials in sustainable art practices and environmental awareness will contribute to students' lifelong learning through interdisciplinary education and teaching. Keywords: Visual Arts Lesson, Waste Material, Sustainable Art Awareness, Sustainable Environmental Awareness, Creativity