Eco-Conscious Art Makes a Statement

In a dim, high-ceilinged industrial space in Northwest Lansing I walked behind a soft-spoken guy as he led me through circuitous passageways and up utilitarian stairs.  Before long we were in a shared artists' workspace, with several young people engaged in various stages of art production.  "She's my intern," my guide said in reference to a passing young lady.

We rounded a corner and were in a well-equipped wood shop.  Local artist Russell Bauer hopes to offer use of these spaces to other creative types in need of a place to work their magic.  Bauer himself has a number of stupendous artifacts he has created strewn about: a huge costume that looks like a trash pile, old (really old) TVs and shopping carts rigged with complex hydroponic vegetable life-support systems, and more.  

Perhaps you've seen the house on the northeast corner of Oakland and Pennsylvania Ave.?  The one with all the re-used plastic tanks for ingenious hillside raised beds?  Bauer lived there while getting the project started.  In addition to more 'arty' flouishes, responsible urban survival mechanisms like his Urban Smart Cisterns figure largely in Bauer's work.

What's more, Russell uses his skills and resources to help guide others interested in sustainably minded art and life.  Partnering with other local go-getters, Bauer's mark is being left everywhere from art galleries to neighborhood garages. Get a look at Russell Bauer's world on his website, rabwork.com.  Other artists and exhibitions are featured, as well.