Co-op Café Conversations: An evening with Bryant Holsenbeck

This Sunday, Jan. 27th we are inviting local artist Bryant Holsenbeck as our first speaker to launch our community engagement series Cafe Conversations at the Co-op. Holsenbeck is the author of “The Last Straw: A Continuing Quest for Life Without Disposable Plastic” and a local artist and Durham resident.

We always want to engage our community by connecting the various creative forces, efforts, and works that occur everyday in Durham, NC. We are happy to launch a series of events that introduce our owners and neighbors to these creators, writers, activist, entrepreneurs and artists that call Durham their home.

 “For over a decade now, I have been documenting the “stuff” of our society that we use once and throw away.

Holsenbeck at work

Americans continue to create more garbage, per capita, than any other culture, yet we are blind to our waste. I believe this is a function of our wealth, and the vastness of our country. We have the room to hide our waste, and the money to make more. I collect many things, among them, bottle caps, credit cards, plastic bags, straws and lids, beach plastic and chop sticks. I use these everyday items to make work, which transforms the objects and surprises us. I am an environmentalist, receiving great joy from the natural world. This makes me aware of how we take what we have for granted. We are used to using “stuff” once and then throwing it away. We may throw it away, but my work makes me aware of its continual impact.”

More information about Holsenbeck and her work can be found on her website.  Also, her book  “The Last Straw: A Continuing Quest for Life Without Disposable Plastic” is available for purchase at the DCM and can be purchased on Sunday for individuals interested in a signed copy.